The Indian men's hockey team suffered their third consecutive defeat in the FIH Pro League 2024-25, losing a close match to Argentina by 3-4. The match, held in Amstelveen, Netherlands, saw a spirited performance from the Indian side, but Argentina's early aggression and clinical finishing ultimately made the difference.

Argentina started the match strongly, with Matias Rey scoring within the first three minutes, putting India on the back foot early on. India, however, absorbed the pressure and gradually built their attacks. Just before the end of the first quarter, Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner to equalize, ending the quarter at 1-1.

The second quarter saw Argentina regain the lead through Lucas Martinez. Despite India's efforts to find another equalizer, Argentina managed to hold their lead, going into halftime with a 2-1 advantage. Early in the third quarter, India earned a penalty stroke, which Harmanpreet Singh converted with a powerful shot, bringing the score level again at 2-2. Argentina responded almost immediately, with Santiago Tarazona scoring to make it 3-2. India then upped their game, pushing Argentina into their own half, and their efforts paid off when Abhishek scored, leveling the score at 3-3 just before the end of the third quarter.

The final quarter began with Argentina once again taking the lead, as Lucio Mendez scored within the first minute, making it 4-3. Despite India's relentless attacks in the final minutes, they couldn't find another equalizer, and Argentina secured the win.

This loss marks India's third consecutive defeat in the European leg of the FIH Pro League 2025, following two earlier defeats to the Netherlands. The team is currently fourth in the points table with 15 points. Argentina's victory puts them level with India and Spain on the points table, intensifying the competition.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh acknowledged the importance of the match and Argentina's strength before the game. India had a slight psychological edge, having won twice and drawn once in their last three encounters against Argentina across major tournaments. However, Argentina's aggressive start and ability to score early in each quarter proved to be decisive.

India will play Argentina again in a reverse fixture and will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and improve their position in the league standings. The team needs to address their tendency to concede early goals and improve their penalty corner conversion rate to secure victories in upcoming matches.