Tokyo Olympics: Indian hockey team pips Argentina 3-1, enters quarters

Manpreet Singh and company advanced to the quarterfinal of the Tokyo Olympics with a 3-1 win over defending champions Argentina in their penultimate pool match on Thursday. India will play hosts Japan in their last pool game on Friday. 

Goals from Varun Kumar (43rd), Vivek Sagar Prasad (58th) and Harmanpreet Singh (59th) sealed the game for India. Argentina’s lone goal came from a penalty corner conversion by Schuth Casella in the 48th minute.

The match, after goalless first two quarters, entered the last 15 minutes with India leading 2-1. While the Argentine pressed hard in the final few minutes, it was Harmanpreet Singh’s goal just before the final whistle that confirmed India’s win. 

By virtue of this win, India have consolidated their position in the second spot of Pool A with three wins and one loss out of four games, behind Australia.

Argentina are struggling at the fifth spot in the six-team pool and need to beat New Zealand in their final preliminary match on Friday to stay in the hunt for a quarterfinal berth.

The top-four make the last-eight stage from each group.