Host India’s dream to win the gold medal in Men’s Hockey World League Finals ended in vain as they went down fighting to Olympic champions Argentina by a solitary goal in the first semifinal here at Kalinga Hockey Stadium today. Drag-flick specialist Gonzalo Peillat scored the all-important goal in the 17th minute to help Argentina secure their berth in the final.

Despite the heart-breaking defeat, Team India won the hearts of thousands of fans for putting up their best in most difficult conditions, which was caused by torrential rain and spine-chilling wind. Earlier in the day, the Netherlands finished their campaign on a winning note by defeating England 1-0 in a rain-soaked 7-8 classification match.

The winner came from the stick of star striker Hockey Stars Male Player of the Year 2017 nominee Mirco Pruijser, who beat Hockey Stars Goalkeeper of the Year nominee George Pinner - who made his 100th appearance for England in the contest - with a third quarter field goal.

RESULTS:

Dec 8 (Match No 19, 7th/8th Place): Netherlands (Mirco Pruijser 42-FG) beat England 1-9. PoM: Joep de Mol (Netherlands). JPoM: Liam Sanford (England).
Dec 8 (Match No 20, SF): Argentina (Gonzalo Peillat 17-PC) beat India 1-0. PoM: Matias Rey (Argentina). JPoM: Harmanpreet Singh (India).
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PHOTO: Argentina draf-flick specialist Gonzalo Peillat celebrates after scoring the all-important in the semifinals against India on December 8, 2017.