India lose to New Zealand, to face Argentina tomorrow

TIL Desk Sports/ Indian men’s hockey team lost 0-1 to New Zealand to slump to its its second defeat in the six-nation Invitational tournament and will now face the formidable Argentina in its penultimate round-robin match, here tomorrow. New Zealand’s Stephen Jenna’s scored the lone goal of the match in the 18th minute late last night. India had earlier lost 0-4 to Germany in their tournament opener before registering a fighting 2-1 win over Ireland in their next game.

India are now placed fourth in the points table with just three points from one win and two defeats. Olympic champions Germany and Argentina lead the chart with six points from two wins followed by Spain on three points from two games. If India are to stay in the hunt for a place in the summit clash, Sardar Singh and his men have no option but to beat Argentina tomorrow.

Going by recent International Hockey Federation (FIH) rankings, India enjoy an edge over Argentina. By virtue of their runners-up finish in the Champions Trophy in London earlier this month, India leapfrogged to the fifth spot in the world rankings ahead of Belgium (6th) and Argentina (7th). India will finish their round robin campaign against Spain on Sunday. The tournament is being held as a preparation for the upcoming Rio Olympic Games.