Tokyo: The prayers of 130 crore Indians were in vain. India loses to Argentina in Olympic women’s hockey semis
Entering the semifinals for the first time in history, India lost 2-1 to Argentina. Gurjit Kaur scored for India while Noel Barionova scored both the goals.
In the final, Argentina will face the Netherlands. Argentina have yet to reach the Olympics, having reached the final twice. Gold is not won. The Dutch are going to play in the fifth consecutive Olympic final. They defeated Britain.
India, who beat three-time winners Australia, are second in the world with great confidence. Ru Raya played against Argentina. Argentina’s goal came after beating Germany by three goals.
But India shocked Argentina in the second minute of the match. Gurjit Kaur gave India the lead with a penalty corner taken by captain Rani Rampal. In the eighth minute, Argentina won a penalty corner but the Indian defenders avoided danger. India maintained their lead in the first quarter. However, in the 17th minute, Argentina scored their third penalty corner. The goal was scored by Captain Noel Barionova.
In the 21st minute, India missed a golden opportunity to regain the lead when Lal Reziami was unable to convert a pass from Arjain in the circle. India conceded two more penalty corners in the 27th minute but to no avail. In the 36th minute, Noel shook the net and put India behind again. Neha Goel was sent off in the 39th minute and India were reduced to 10 men. By the end of the third quarter, Argentina dominated the ball, passing and attacking.
In the last quarter, India struggled to keep pace, but Arjain’s goalkeeper and defense did not allow it. In the 52nd minute, India’s penalty corner was saved by goalkeeper Belen Susie. Susie became the savior of the Latin Americans with a great save in the last minute of the match. Navneet Kaur’s excellent close range shot was blocked by Susie’s legs.
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