India fall to Argentina

SYDNEY, April 11: The Indian team’s form took a nose dive as it went down 0-2 to old nemesis Argentina in the Colorado Cup 4-nation hockey tournament at the State Hockey Centre, Homebush, here today.

After getting the better of New Zealand 2-1 in their tournament opener on Thursday, the Indians were determined to wipe off the unhappy memories of their last clash with the Latin Americans two years ago, in the Atlanta Olympics which also they lost 0-1.

They fought a tough battle giving nothing away in the first half. But, the change of ends saw the Indian defence wilting and the Argentinians, more famous for their soccer skills, rammed in two goals to romp home winners.

Carlos Retegui opened the account for the Argentines in the 44th minute and, six minutes later, Jorge Lombi sealed India’s fate with another field goal.