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Argentina Demolish India 8-0 in FIH Pro League Hockey Rout

India was handed a crushing 8-0 defeat by Argentina in the FIH Men's Pro League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. The visitors dominated from the start, with Tomas Domene scoring four goals, including a first-half hat-trick. India had early opportunities, including a saved penalty stroke by Harmanpreet Singh, but failed to convert any chances. Despite a more competitive second-half performance, Argentina sealed the comprehensive victory with a late goal.

Key Points: Argentina 8-0 India: FIH Pro League Hockey Score, Highlights

  • Argentina scores eight unanswered goals
  • Tomas Domene nets four, including a hat-trick
  • India misses key penalty stroke early
  • Hosts create chances but fail to score
2 min read

FIH Men's Pro League: Argentina hammer India 8-0 at Rourkela

India suffers a heavy 8-0 defeat to Argentina in the FIH Men's Pro League in Rourkela. Tomas Domene scores four goals in the dominant victory.

"India succumbed to an 8-0 defeat against Argentina - Press Release"

Rourkela, February 12

India succumbed to an 8-0 defeat against Argentina in the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men's Pro League 2025-26 on Thursday at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, a release said.

Tomas Domene (15', 20', 26', 60'), Tomas Ruiz (14'), Lucio Mendez (22'), Ignacio Ibarra (25'), and Nicolas della Torre (30') scored goals for the visitors, as per a press release from Hockey India.

It was an engaging start to the game with India beginning the game on the front foot, looking to make inroads in the early exchanges. After a spell of possession, the hosts had the opportunity to draw first blood towards the end of the first quarter, having been awarded a penalty stroke. However, Harmanpreet Singh was denied from the spot by the Argentine goalkeeper. Argentina scored almost instantly with Tomas Ruiz (14') powering his tomahawk into the back of the net to give his side the lead. The visitors quickly doubled their advantage as Tomas Domene (15') managed to guide his effort past Suraj Karkera to give his side a 2-0 lead in the opening quarter, it added.

Looking for a way back into the game, India began the second quarter by putting pressure back on Argentina. Shilanand Lakra and Harmanpreet Singh did well to earn a couple of penalty corners but the hosts couldn't quite find their opening goal. With momentum on their side, Argentina continued to pile on the pressure. Tomas Domene (20') tripled their lead with a composed finish, and Lucio Mendez (22') soon added a fourth. Ignacio Ibarra (25') rifled his shot from a tight angle to score a fifth, while Tomas Domene (26') completed his hat-trick soon after. Nicolas della Torre (30') also got on the scoresheet, closing out the first half with a 7-0 lead for Argentina.

India showed enough character in the second half, creating some notable opportunities with Shilanand Lakra and Aditya Lalage coming close to finding the back of the net. However, Tomas Santiago stood tall in goal for Argentina. Despite creating scoring opportunities, an evenly contested third quarter ended in a goalless manner.

The hosts pushed forward in the final quarter, earning their third penalty corner of the match. However, Argentina managed to find the back of the net against the run of play with Tomas Domene (60') adding a fourth goal to his tally, and giving his side an 8-0 win, as per release.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Watching from the US. That penalty stroke miss by Harmanpreet in the first quarter was the turning point. Argentina scored immediately after and the momentum completely shifted. Tough day at the office for the boys.
A
Aditya G
We need to be honest. This is a reality check. Argentina is a world-class team, and they exposed every weakness. The Pro League is for learning, but an 8-0 scoreline is unacceptable for a team of India's stature. The coaching staff needs to answer some questions.
P
Priyanka N
Feel so bad for the players and the fans in Rourkela. The stadium is always so loud and supportive. We created chances in the second half, but the first half collapse was too big to recover from. Keep your heads up, boys! 🇮🇳
K
Karthik V
Tomas Domene alone scored 4! Our marking was non-existent. We seem to struggle against physically strong and fast teams. This loss hurts, but I hope the team learns and bounces back stronger in the next match. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
As a neutral observer, the scoreline flatters Argentina a bit. India had periods of good play and chances, especially after halftime. But you can't miss a penalty stroke and then concede 7 in one half. The mental resilience needs work.

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