Rourkela, February 12 Inconsistencies continued to plague India as they suffered a 0-8 defeat against Argentina, with Tomas Domene netting four goals in the FIH Men's Pro League leg here on Thursday.
Domene (15', 20', 26', 60') led the attack with his multiple goals, while Tomas Ruiz (14'), Lucio Mendez (22'), Ignacio Ibarra (25') and Nicolas Della Torre (30') also found the net as the visitors completely dominated a lackluster Indian side at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.
India started strongly, attempting to make early inroads, but after a brief period of dominance, they squandered a golden opportunity to take the lead in the closing stages of the first quarter when they were awarded a penalty stroke.
Harmanpreet Singh was denied from the spot by the Argentine goalkeeper.
Argentina scored almost immediately with Ruiz (14') powering his shot into the back of the net to give his side the lead. The visitors quickly doubled their advantage as Domene (15') managed to guide his effort past Suraj Karkera to give his side a 2-0 lead in the opening quarter.
Searching for a way back into the contest, India began the second quarter with greater urgency as Shilanand Lakra and Harmanpreet Singh earned a couple of penalty corners. However, they were unable to convert, with a goal continuing to elude them.
With momentum on their side, Argentina continued to pile on the pressure. Domene (20') tripled the lead with a composed finish, and Mendez (22') soon added a fourth.
Ignacio Ibarra (25') rifled his shot from a tight angle to score a fifth, while 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 created some opportunities with Shilanand and Aditya Lalage coming close to finding the back of the net. However, Tomas Santiago stood tall in the goal for Argentina. Despite creating scoring opportunities, the third quarter ended goalless.
The hosts pushed forward in the final quarter, earning their third penalty corner. However, Argentina managed to find the back of the net against the run of play with Domene (60') adding a fourth goal to his tally, and giving his side a big win.