Indian colts held by Argentina 1-1 in hockey Test

Buenos Aires, Dec 10 (IANS) India colts put on an impressive performance but missed chances tied them to a 1-1 draw with Argentina in the second hockey Test here at the Club Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

Mandip Antil put India ahead in the 44th minute before Argentina fought their way back to equalise through a penalty stroke by Santiago Montelli in the 61st minute here Tuesday.

India thus lead 2-0 in the four-match series after having beaten the Junior World Champions 3-0 in the first outing Monday.

Stung by the thrashing in the first game, Argentina started on a attacking note, making several forays in the Indian defence. They were rewarded with two penalty corners but failed to convert both.

Indian forwards soon got their act together and mounted one attack after another but failed to capitalise on the moves. Argentine goalkeeper Ezequiel Olivero managed well to keep the Indian strikers at bay.

Both teams went goalless in the first half before Antil beat three defenders and then goalkeeper Olivero to sound the board.

Argentina stepped up the attack and equalised with a penalty stroke from Montelli.