Rediff

Argentina, Jan 23: The Indian hockey team succumbed to its second straight defeat, going down 2-4 in the final match, to allow Argentina level the four-match Test series, in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, on Friday.

A shaky defence and a profligate forward line let down India, as Sandeep Singh and his men squandered a 2-1 lead and conceded three second half goals to share honours in the four-match series, which they led 2-0 at the midway stage.

Bharat Chikara opened India's account in the seventh minute with a field goal before captain Sandeep Singh sounded the board from a penalty-corner set-piece.

Argentina struck in the 31st, 37th, 39th and 58th minutes through Matias Vila, Juan Gilardi, Facundo Callioni and Matias Paredes respectively to emerge winners at the Estadio Panamericano.

The Indian team kicked-off its campaign on a positive note, blanking the hosts 2-0 in the series opener and following it up with a narrow 3-2 win.

Trailing 0-2, Argentina staged a brilliant comeback in the second half of the series and beat India 2-0 in the third Test to stay afloat and eventually draw level with Friday's win.

The Indian team now leaves for Mumbai en route to Chandigarh for the Four-Nation Punjab Gold Cup later this month.

Apart from the hosts, the tournament will also feature Germany, Holland and New Zealand.