Indian hockey eves lose 1-4 to Argentina

THE INDIAN WOMEN'S HOCKEY TEAM lost their second and final successive match of their exposure tour 1-4 to Argentina in Buenos Aires.

An aggressive Argentina team closed the game with a smashing performance on Wednesday evening after drawing the first match 2-2 on Tuesday.

The Argentinean outfit attacked India from the start and within the first eight minutes Martina Cavallero scored the first goal. The South Americans continued to dominate with Pilar Romang scoring their second goal in the second quarter of the game.

In the next 20 minutes, Noel Barrionuevo scored Arentina's third goal.

The third quarter saw India score their lone goal, which came from the stick of Vandana Katarya.

However, Noel Barrionuevo put it beyond India's reach as she scored another goal in the last quarter to hand the home team a convincing 4-1 victory.

"Argentina was playing an extremely attacking game. The girls were well prepared for the match and made all possible efforts but again we believe there are certain areas which need attention. We are still two matches away from closing this tour and we are confident of putting forward a great show,"

India chief coach Neil Hawgood said.

India next play the Under-21 Argentine team on Thursday.