India suffered a humiliating 0-5 defeat to Argentina to begin their European leg of the FIH Women's Pro League campaign on a disappointing note in Antwerp, Belgium on Wednesday. (More Hockey News)
Julieta Jankunas (53rd, 59th minutes) struck a brace, while Agustina Gorzelany (13th), Valentina Raposo (24th) and 🎶Victoria Miranda (41st) were the other goal getters for the Argentines.
The Indian women, who were playing their first match under 𝄹new coach Harendra Singh, looked out of sorts and failed to create any threatening circle penetrations 🐭in the first two quarters.
In a surprising development, former India captain and veteran goalkeeper Savita ♋Punia was omitted from the Indian team lineup despite being named in the squad as Bichu Devi Kharibam guarded the goalpost.
Argentina looked far mo🦂re creative and threatening, securing as many as seven penalty corners in the first two quarters.
Argentina got their fir💞st penalty corner in the fourth minute followed by another a minute later but fa🔯iled to find the net.
They kept up the pressur🦂e on the Indian defence with relentless attacks, entering the opponent circle on consistent basis.
The Argentines secured two more penalty corners in the first quarter and the second opportunity was put into use by Go🎉rzelany with a flick to the left of India custodian Bichu.
The Indians looked a bit more confident in the second quarter but it was Argentina who contr🍌olled the proceedings.
Argentina wasted a penalty corner in the 19th min before Bichu made two𝓡 f꧒ine saves.
Argent🦩ina were not to be denied for long as they scored their second goal in the 24th minute from their fifth penalty corner throܫugh a variation strike from Raposo.
The Indian defence looked in disarray as Argentina secured two more penalty corners before halftime and their eighth just two▨ minutes into the third quarter but to no use.
ꦚThe Indians, on the other hand, looked better in the third quarter and played with much more speed and intent🦂 to make some bright circle penetrations but the finishing touch was lacking.
The Argentines, however, extended their lead in the 41st minute through a reverse ꦛhit goal from Miranda, which Bichu had no clue.
Minutes later Argentina secured their ninth penalty corner but wasted the cha💫nce. In the 47th minute, Deepika's reverse hit from Udita's pass was saved by Argentina🦹 goalkeeper Cristina Cosentino.
Jankunas then came 𝓰to the party and scored two beautiful field goals within a span of six minutes to seal the issue🌼 for Argentina.
The ﷽Ind🅰ian women will next play hosts Belgium on Thursday.
