The two teams were level at 2-2 after regulatory time, which forced the match to head to a shoot-out.

The Argentinians proved to be clinical during the determining phase of the match and rallied to win 3-1.

In the first quarter, Martin Ferreiro almost opened the scoring for Argentina, who unusually dominated possession during the first half, but Indian goalkeeper Krishnan Pathak performed a good save to keep the score blank.

Harmanpreet Singh, who has 98 goals for his country, was unable to convert any of his three penalty corners in the second quarter of the match.

The two teams entered half-time locked at 0-0, despite Nicolas Keenan of Argentina being forced to sit out following a yellow card.

The tension of the match could be felt in the early stages of the third quarter when passes began to be misplaced and possession was constantly being overturned.

Both teams were evenly matched heading into the encounter, with each side sharing four wins, as well as two draws, in their previous 10 encounters.

In the FIH world rankings, India is fourth and Argentina is sixth.

Eventually, India’s Gurjant Singh broke the deadlock after following his poacher’s instincts to tap in past Tomas Santiago in Argentina’s goal.

India continued to pressure their opponents through their brilliant passing patterns which led to further chances.

However, Argentina capitalised on India’s failure to grab their second goal.

Nicolas Acosta’s shot deflected, and Pathak was unable to adjust to save the shot.

In the fourth quarter, the Argentinians burst into the lead with seven minutes to go.

Keenan and Nicolas della Torres played a defence-splitting one-two which handed Keenan the chance to hammer home – something he did not miss out on.

With the pressure on, Singh Sukhjeet almost replied seconds later but his shot flew past the post.

The hosts found their equaliser in the nick of time with less than 60 seconds on the clock.

The ball fell to Mandeep Singh and the Indian fired in the crucial goal for his country.

In the shoot-out, Ferreiro’s miss did not prove to be crucial for Argentina as Keenan, Tomas Domene and Lucas Toscani delivered the devastating blows to hand them the victory.

Only Harmanpreet managed to score for India while Sukhjeet, Singh Gurjant and Abhishek failed to convert.

The bonus point leaves Argentina in fourth on 11 points having played five matches.

India, on the other hand, is in second on 13 points after seven fixtures.