In the entire five-match series against Australia last month, the Indian men's hockey team could only score two field goals. It was a big concern as the forwards struggled to create or convert chances in a 0-5 series loss.
On Wednesday, in their first match since that tour, India scored two field goals against Argentina and both were scored by their forwards. The Pro League match against Argentina in Antwerp ended 2-2 with India taking extra bonus point after winning the penalty shootout.
While it's a big positive that both Mandeep Singh and Lalit Upadhyay contributed with goals, how these goals were created was important, with visible attacking patterns in India's play. That being said, it is also apparent that the team's attacking game still needs to be worked on.
The best possible start and then regression
Under Fulton, India usually don't start games quickly but that was not the case in this one. They began well, and created chances right from the opening few minutes. Abhishek did well to make space for himself inside the box after receiving a pass from Jarmapreet Singh and unleashed a powerful reverse hit, only to be blocked by goalkeeper Thomas Santiago.
The intensity paid off in the 11th minute when Mandeep, who initiated the attacking move from the right by superbly controlling the ball, came up with a deft finish from close range. Credit should also go to Raj Kumar Pal and Abhishek who exchanged quick passes before hte latter released the ball at the right time to Mandeep.
India dominated the opening quarter and should've taken the momentum into the second quarter as well. Instead, all the good stuff that was seen in the first 15 minutes - the high pressing, quick movement of the ball and chance creations - went missing in the second. Argentina were the better side, and they kept the ball for longer periods and eventually equalised in the 20th minute.
From the second quarter to the first half of the fourth quarter, India's attacking struggles evoked memories of the Australia tour. They couldn't create much, both in open play and through penalty corners. In total, India earned just four penalty corners and none of them were converted. Argentina also lacked the cutting edge, when perhaps one of the bigger team might have punished India by then.
With five minutes to go, India took the lead. Jarmanpreet received a long ball into the circle, he did well to keep it in and send the pass to the middle, where an unmarked Lalit took his chance well. At this point, it could've been either team's match, but India took their opportunity.
Argentina are not Australia, they are not relentless with their attacks. India should've closed the game out with full points but instead conceded in the last seconds. With a minute to go, Sukhjeet Singh lost the ball in midfield and Argentina won a penalty corner. The first effort was blocked by PR Sreejesh, but India couldn't clear the danger as there was contact between the sticks of Manpreet Singh and Maico Cassella. The penalty corner had to be taken again and this time Argentina converted after a deflection.
In a way, 2-2 was a fair result as both sides troubled each other often enough throughout the game..
Sreejesh outstanding again
Another match for India, another superb performance from Sreejesh. As was the case against the Aussies and in the home Pro League matches, India's no.1 goalkeeper came up with crucial saves and helped India win a bonus point in the shootout.
There was a moment in the final quarter where he pulled three back-to-back saves and also blocked a crucial dragflick chance with his leg. In the shootout, he saved two big shots, including the final one against Lucas Toscani.