FIH Pro League 2024/25: Spirited India Go Down 1-4 to Ruthless Argentina at Lee Valley

Image Credit: FIH

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team suffered a 1-4 defeat to Argentina in their latest FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 clash at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Tuesday. Despite a brave and aggressive showing, a late flurry from Argentina—driven by a clinical Agustina Gorzelany hat-trick—proved too much for the Indian side.

India matched Argentina for intensity throughout large spells of the contest and showed early intent with three promising attempts in the first quarter. Salima Tete and Lalremsiami both tested the Argentine defence with quick movement and close-range efforts, but the opening quarter ended goalless.

The game opened up in the second quarter. A defensive lapse allowed Victoria Falasco to open the scoring in the 29th minute, capitalising on a loose ball inside the Indian circle and sending a low shot beyond the outstretched goalkeeper. But India struck back almost immediately. With just seconds left in the half, India earned their first penalty corner, and Deepika delivered—her powerful drag-flick leveled the scoreline and gave India a deserved equaliser going into the break.

India came out firing in the third quarter, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring chances. Salima Tete had a golden opportunity denied by the Argentine goalkeeper, while Navneet Kaur’s bursting run into the circle nearly produced a lead for India. Two more penalty corners went India's way during this period, but the Argentine defence stood firm.

Despite India's growing momentum, it was Argentina who pulled ahead again. In the 42nd minute, Agustina Gorzelany converted a penalty stroke, shifting the tide in her team's favour. India responded with continued aggression—Salima was again at the heart of things, drawing a foul and earning another penalty corner in the 47th minute, but the opportunity went unconverted.

Navneet’s skill and drive from the right kept India in the hunt, but the final quarter belonged entirely to Argentina. Gorzelany added two more goals in quick succession—another penalty stroke in the 54th minute and a finely executed penalty corner just a minute from full-time—to complete her hat-trick and seal the win.