Argentina are into their maiden Hockey World League Final. They beat India 1-0. A heartening display by India today. They have done themselves proud. India will now play the bronze medal match on Sunday. Their opponents will either be Germany or Australia.
After 14 minutes in Q4 India 0 Argentina 1: The visitors with a clear chance to double their lead but Harmanpreet comes to India’s rescue. 60 seconds to go.
After 12 minutes in Q4 India 0 Argentina 1: End-to-end attack here. Karkea comes off. India playing with 11 players. No goalkeeper for India. Argentina throwing themselves at the back now as India up the ante.
After 10 minutes in Q4 India 0 Argentina 1: The Asia Cup winners are still pressing for the equaliser. Marijne should be proud of his team’s performance despite being a goal down.
After 7 minutes in Q4 India 0 Argentina 1: Gurjant also comes close to scoring but Juan Vivaldi is doing a brilliant job for Argentina at goal. He has made three fantastic saves tonight for his team.
After 5 minutes in Q4 India 0 Argentina 1: Long passes aren’t working for both teams. They have to keep them short and precise here due to the conditions. It is pouring out there. India come close to equalise here but Akashdeep fails to connect.
After 3 minutes in Q4 India 0 Argentina 1: India lose their referral as well now. Argentina have made 23 interceptions so far while India have made only 17.
The last quarter of the game begins. It is now or never for India. Can India find the equaliser?
End of Q3 India 0 Argentina 1: Only one goal separates both the sides. Olympic champions Argentina made the most of their only PC. After three quarters, Argentina are in Sunday’s final for now.
After 12 minutes in Q3 India 0 Argentina 1: India are defending well here as they make sure Argentina do not double their lead.
After 10 minutes in Q3 India 0 Argentina 1: India trying everything they can but to no avail. Suraj Karkera at goal now for India. Conditions are really deplorable at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.
After 5 minutes in Q3 India 0 Argentina 1: India are back to 11 men and India get their first PC of the match. Akashdeep forces the error. But Rupinder fails to convert.
After 2 minutes in Q3 India 0 Argentina 1: India looking to attack with aerial balls here but they have to be careful. They risk the chance of being hit on the counter-attack by Argentina. India trying different things to get the equaliser.
Can the hockey-mad Odisha crowd inspire the Indians to make a comeback?
End of first half, India 0 Argentina 1: India try a few long lifts from the defence, perhaps trying to counter the pitch conditions but it comes to nothing. The rain has made the game not very exciting to watch, but the world No 1 and Olympic champions have found a way to take the lead. India have been searching for a PC but they are yet to win a PC.
After 12 minutes in Q2 India 0 Argentina 1: India looking to score on the counter but the Argentine defence are doing a brilliant job to shut down India’s run.
After 10 minutes in Q2 India 0 Argentina 1: Argentina have eight circle entries compared to two by India. India are yet to get a PC and have zero shots at goal. Argentina have three.
After 7 minutes in Q2 India 0 Argentina 1: Big blow for India. Captain Manpreet Singh sees yellow for a clean tackle. India down to 10 men for 10 minutes now. India have to be patient here and not give away the game.
After 5 minutes in Q2 India 0 Argentina 1: India have the pedigree to score the equaliser here. However, the puddles on the pitch can prove to be difficult. India must play to their strengths now.
After 2 minutes in Q2 India 0 Argentina 1: First penalty corner of the match goes to Argentina. However, India use their referral but there was no advice possible. Argentina to take the PC and they score. Gonzalo Peillat converts for the World No 1.
Has to be 1-0 to India without a doubt.
At the end of Q1 India 0 Argentina 0: India have a greater percentage of possession with 54%. Both teams are holding themselves back here. Looking to score on the counter-attack. Players continue to slip and fall as rain plays spoilsport.
After 12 minutes in Q1 India 0 Argentina 0: India with the early chances here. However, the Argentina defence standing strong. India continue with their offensive approach.
After 7 minutes in Q1 India 0 Argentina 0: Players of both teams are battling it out in Bhubaneshwar. India cocah Sjoerd Marijne is on the sidelines observing his men. Can his team replicate the Belgium showing here?
Sheer spirit we will say.
After 5 minutes in Q1 India 0 Argentina 0: Akash Chikte with a brilliant save. Throws himself to the ground. Advantage India as of now. Rain continues to hamper the game though.
After 3 minutes in Q1 India 0 Argentina 0: Conditions are really wet out there. The ball is slow and India pressing hard early on.
07:29pm: After an hour, we will know whether India will feature in Sunday’s final of the Hockey World League Final.
07:25pm: Argentina have won the toss and have decided to start the game. It is still raining there but it is game on at the Kalinga Stadium.
07:20pm: Akash Chikte to start against Argentina. His heroics powered India to a brilliant win against Belgium.
07:15pm: Argentina beat England 3-2 in their quarter-final clash on Thursday.
07:10pm: India beat tournament favourites Belgium in a thrilling penalty shoot-out. Read about the India’s fearless approach against them here.
07:05pm: It is raining heavily in Bhubaneswar right now. The match is on at the moment.
07:00pm: Good evening folks, India face Olympic champions Argentina in the semi-final of the Hockey World League Final at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Manpreet Singh and his team have been unpredictable throughout the tournament and now they face the World No 1, which will be a stern test. India are yet again the underdogs as they look to seal their spot in Sunday’s final.