India’s fourth straight FIH Pro League loss sealed by Jugraj Singh’s missed retake

India’s FIH Pro League campaign hit a rough patch with a 1-2 loss to Argentina, marking their fourth consecutive defeat in the European leg.

Stand-in captain Hardik Singh led the team in the absence of injured Harmanpreet Singh, with Jugraj Singh stepping up early to score from a penalty corner in the fourth minute.

"Jugraj Singh, in the absence of injured captain Harmanpreet Singh, stepped up and scored," but Argentina’s Tomas Domene responded with a brace from penalty corners (9th and 49th minutes) to turn the game.

The match climaxed in the final minutes when India earned a penalty stroke. Jugraj initially converted it, but a video referral revealed his front foot was ahead of the ball, nullifying the goal.

However, India successfully challenged the review, revealing Argentina’s goalkeeper Tomas Santiago was off his line before the stroke, leading to a retake.

"A retake was awarded, but Jugraj ended up missing it anyway as Santiago came up with one last massive save to seal his own player-of-the-match award and three points for Argentina."

This missed opportunity sealed India’s fate, continuing their losing streak. The team now prepares to face Australia in Antwerp, Belgium.

"The evening started with a passionate team speech by stand-in captain Hardik Singh in the huddle, the message roughly demanding his teammates to manage the game with intelligence and create outcomes as much as possible."

India’s struggle to convert key chances and defensive lapses have been costly, underscoring the need for tactical adjustments as the Pro League progresses.

India suffered a 1-2 defeat to Argentina in the FIH Pro League, marking their fourth straight loss. Jugraj Singh’s missed retake of a penalty stroke in the closing stages sealed the result, despite his earlier goal and a retake awarded after a video referral.