~ Tomas Domene scored four goals for Argentina, while Tomas Ruiz, Ignacio Ibarra, Lucio Mendez and Nicolas della Torre were also on the scoresheet ~
Rourkela, February 12, 2026: India succumbed to an 8-0 defeat against Argentina in the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-2026 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Thursday. 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.
It was an enthralling start to the match, with India starting the match on the front foot and looking to make progress in the early exchanges. After a period of possession, the hosts were given the opportunity to draw first blood towards the end of the first quarter after being awarded a penalty stroke. However, Harmanpreet Singh was denied from the spot by the Argentinian goalkeeper. Argentina scored almost immediately when Tomas Ruiz (14′) put his tomahawk into the back of the net to give his team the lead. The visitors quickly doubled their lead when Tomas Domene (15′) managed to guide his effort past Suraj Karkera to give his side a 2-0 lead in the first quarter.
Looking to find a way back into the match, India started the second quarter by putting pressure on Argentina again. Shilanand Lakra and Harmanpreet Singh did well with a few penalty corners, but the home team could not quite find the 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′) shot from a tight angle to score a fifth, while Tomas Domene (26′) completed his hat-trick shortly afterwards. Nicolas della Torre (30′) also got on the scoresheet and ended the first half with Argentina taking a 7-0 lead.
India showed plenty of character in the second half and created some notable chances, with Shilanand Lakra and Aditya Lalage going close to the back of the net. However, Tomas Santiago was high in goal for Argentina. Despite creating scoring opportunities, an evenly contested third quarter ended goalless.
The hosts pushed through in the final quarter and earned 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 to give his side an 8-0 win.
All India matches of FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 Rourkela match will be telecast on Star Sports Khel and JioHotstar while others matches will be streamed live on Jio Hotstar.