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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Olympics: Bharat beat Argentina 3-1 in men’s hockey group match, reach quarters

Bharat scored twice in the last two minutes to beat Rio Olympics gold medalist Argentina 3-1 in a Group A preliminary league match at the Tokyo Olympics on Thursday. Bharat have cemented their hold on the second spot with a match against hosts Japan to go. This win has assured Bharat a place in the quarterfinals with the final Group match against Japan to go.

After a barren first half, Bharat opened the scoring when Varun Kumar, who came into the 16-member team for this match in place of experienced Birendra Lakra, scored off a penalty corner in the 43rd minute.

Bharat had denied Argentina many opportunities in the first two quarters but the South Americans came back strongly in the fourth quarter. Argentina earned their first penalty corner and Casella Schuth converted with a brilliant drag-flick to pull Argentina, who had lost to Australia 5-2 in their previous match and had to win this match to maintain their chances of finishing second in the group, level at 1-1.

Argentina increased pressure and dominated the fourth quarter as they sensed an opportunity to score the winner.

However, Bharat , who had defeated Argentina in two Pro League matches in April this year, sealed victory when they scored twice in the last two minutes when Varun Sagar Prasad capitalised on a rebound off a shot by Dilpreet Singh to make it 2-1 for Bharat , and then Harmanpreet Singh converted their eighth penalty corner to make it 3-1.

The two goals not only sealed victory for Bharat but also brought up their goal difference to zero. The goal difference had dropped to -5 after the humiliating 7-1 defeat to World No 1 Australia. But victories in the last two matches against Spain (3-0) and Thursday’s 3-1 verdict against Argentina virtually assured Bharat the second spot.

Bharat had 14 shots at the goal as compared to only six for Argentina, they had 28 attacking circle penetrations as compared to eight for the South Americans.

Bharat held 53% possession as compared to 47% for Argentina, they earned eight penalty corners as against only two for the defending Olympic champions.

Bharat now have nine points from four matches and are placed second behind Australia (12), who have won all four matches so far.

Spain iare third with four points from a win and a draw, the same as New Zealand. Argentina also have four points from one win and one draw but trail Spain and New Zealand on goal difference.
Japan with only one draw against New Zealand are placed last in the group with one point.

(The story has been published via a syndicated feed with a modified headline and minor edits to conform to Hindu-Post style-guide.)


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