FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26: Argentina thrash India 8–0 in Rourkela as Domene scores four

India suffered a heavy 8–0 defeat against Argentina in the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 on Thursday at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. Tomas Domene led the charge with four goals, while Tomas Ruiz, Ignacio Ibarra, Lucio Mendez and Nicolas della Torre also found the net for the visitors.

It was an energetic start from India, who began on the front foot and tried to assert themselves in the early exchanges. The hosts earned a golden opportunity late in the first quarter when they were awarded a penalty stroke, but captain Harmanpreet Singh was denied by the Argentine goalkeeper.

Argentina punished that miss almost immediately. Tomas Ruiz struck in the 14th minute with a powerful tomahawk to open the scoring. Moments later, Tomas Domene guided his effort past Suraj Karkera in the 15th minute to double the lead and put Argentina firmly in control by the end of the opening quarter.

India tried to respond in the second quarter, with Shilanand Lakra and Harmanpreet Singh earning a couple of penalty corners, but the finishing touch remained elusive. Argentina, on the other hand, were ruthless.

Domene struck again in the 20th minute to make it three. Lucio Mendez added a fourth in the 22nd, before Ignacio Ibarra rifled in a fifth from a tight angle in the 25th minute. Domene completed his hat-trick just a minute later, and Nicolas della Torre rounded off a devastating first half with Argentina’s seventh goal in the 30th minute.

The second half saw a more composed Indian performance. Shilanand Lakra and Aditya Lalage both came close, but Argentine goalkeeper Tomas Santiago produced key saves to maintain the clean sheet. The third quarter ended goalless despite India creating a few promising chances.

India continued to push in the final quarter and earned another penalty corner, but Argentina struck again against the run of play. Domene scored his fourth of the night in the 60th minute to seal a comprehensive 8–0 victory for the visitors.

It was a difficult night for the hosts in Rourkela, as Argentina capitalised on their chances with clinical precision, especially during a devastating second quarter that effectively decided the contest.