Harmanpreet’s hat-trick guides India to 5-4 win over Argentina

Antwerp (Belgium), May 27: Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with a sensational hat-trick as the Indian men’s hockey team recorded a thrilling 5-4 win over Argentina in the FIH Hockey Pro League here.
Besides Harmanpreet (29′, 50′ and 52′), Araijeet Singh Hundal (7′) and Gurjant Singh (18′) also scored for India, while Federico Monja (3′), Nicolas Keenan (24′), Tadeo Marucci (54′) and Lucas Martinez (57′) were on target for Argentina on Sunday.
India made a good start, keeping the ball for most of the first quarter and came up with accurate passes to make their way into the Argentina striking circle.
However, Argentina drew first blood when Federico found the back of the net from a close range to give them a 1-0 lead.
In response, India equalized quickly as Araijeet scored a brilliant field goal. India also earned a penalty corner but failed to capitalize on it as the first quarter ended 1-1.
India started the second quarter on a high note. The fast counter-attacking aggressive approach helped India extend their lead after Gurjant scored an excellent field goal.
India will next take on Germany on June 1. (PTI)