Pakistan’s spirit lacks against Argentina

Pakistan produced one of their most spirited performances of the season but dropped few points, losing 3–2 to hosts Argentina in FIH Pro League play at the Santiago del Estero Hockey Club on Thursday.
In a thrilling match that ebbed and flowed, Argentina built on their shootout victory over the Netherlands the night before by defeating a resurgent Pakistan side that showed clear improvement from their opening defeat.
Pakistan started with confidence and intent, pressing the hosts high and carving out early scoring opportunities.
Waheed Ashraf Rana twice came close to breaking the deadlock — first forcing goalkeeper Tomas Santiago into a sharp close-range save and then firing narrowly wide of the far post moments later.
Argentina struggled to score penalties early on, with Tomas Domene’s effort going into the side netting.
The hosts finally found the difference in the second quarter.
Tomas Habif’s impressive baseline run created the opening, allowing Ignacio Nardolillo to square for Domene to finish from point-blank range – the only goal separating the sides at half-time.
The match exploded after the break as Pakistan equalized through Muhammad Ammad, who made a smart save from Zikriya Hayat’s pass to make it 1-1.
Argentina, however, responded immediately and decisively through their trusted penalty routines.
Nicolas della Torre restored the lead with a low, accurate strike before Maico Casella added another, curling an effort into the roof of the net after several rebounds.
Pakistan refused to go down, winning a series of penalties late in the third quarter. Their persistence paid off when Waleed Rana capitalized on a rebound to reduce the deficit to 3-2 in the final period.
Both teams created half-chances in the fourth quarter, but Argentina’s defensive discipline and accuracy of set-pieces earlier ultimately proved the difference.
Thomas Habiff was named Player of the Match for his influence at all levels.
The result follows Pakistan’s 5–2 defeat by the Netherlands in their Pro League debut.
The Green Shirts will face the Dutch again on December 13, before completing their first mini-tournament with hosts Argentina on December 15.