Ipoh: Gonzalo Peillat’s hat-trick helped Rio Olympics champions Argentina defeat India 3-2 in the first match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018 here on Saturday.
For a game marred by incessant rain — play had to be stopped in the fourth quarter because of heavy rain —- it had as much of excitement as Amit Rohidas levelled terms for India after going 2-0 down.
Drag-flicker Peillat’s hat-trick goal however sealed India’s fortune as the hosts were forced to play with 10 men after Sumit was shown a yellow card in the final five minutes of the match.
Despite this, Talwinder Singh’s last gasp effort nearly snatched a draw for India but Argentina held on to see off the match.
Having fielded a young team in the absence of key players such as Akashdeep Singh, SV Sunil, Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, India suffered the first blow when Peillat converted from a penalty corner in the 13th minute.
It didnt take him long to double the score and he netted home second time from another penalty corner, which also happened to be Argentina’s fifth in the 23rd minute.
Indian however bounced back from being 2-0 down to 2-2 at one stage with Rohidas scoring from consecutive penalty corners in the 24th and 32nd minute. Their lead didn’t last long enough though and barely a minute later Peillat struck again.
The 25 year-old completing his hat-trick in the process from another such penalty corner. The men in blue continued fighting and put up a gritty performance but failed to cross the line.
India next play England on Sunday. The competition also has Australia, Malaysia and Ireland taking part.
1 comment
Thank you! She was something special!