India’s Semi-Final Dreams Shattered As Argentina Secure 5-3 Win

India’s hopes of progressing to the semi-finals of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 disappeared after Argentina recorded a 5-3 victory at the Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Monday.

Argentina began aggressively and struck twice during the opening six minutes through Joaquin Toscani and Nicolas della Torre.

Sukhjeet Singh brought India back into the contest by scoring in the 10th minute, but Argentina continued to dictate the tempo and repeatedly tested the Indian defence.

Neither side found the net during the second quarter, but India failed to turn their possession into meaningful attacking opportunities.

Argentina frequently played aerial balls over the Indian midfield, allowing their forwards to receive possession in dangerous areas.

India created openings through several attacking moves, but misplaced passes and errors at crucial moments prevented the team from making them count.

Argentina regained their two-goal cushion when Tomas Domene finished a swift attacking move in the third quarter.

Domene then converted a penalty stroke after the ball struck Yashdeep Siwach inside the circle, putting Argentina 4-1 ahead.

India earned several penalty corners, but Harmanpreet Singh and his teammates could not find a way past Argentina’s defensive line and goalkeeper.

Lucas Toscani further strengthened Argentina’s position in the 53rd minute when he found space to unleash a powerful tomahawk that beat Suraj Karkera.

India refused to give up and reduced the deficit when Sukhjeet produced a smart deflection from Mandeep Singh’s cross in the 58th minute.

Hardik Singh then converted a penalty stroke shortly afterwards, bringing India within two goals at 5-3.

Argentina moved to six points and will now wait for the Netherlands-England result to determine the teams advancing from Pool E.

India finished bottom of the pool and will now compete for seventh and eighth place in the tournament.