India’s wait for a place in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup semi-finals will extend to 51 years after they suffered a 3-5 defeat against Argentina in their crucial second-round match in Amstelveen on Monday.

India needed a victory by at least two goals to remain in contention for the last four, but Argentina took control early and never allowed the Indian side to build enough momentum.

Joaquin Toscani opened the scoring in the first minute before Nicolas della Torre doubled Argentina’s advantage in the sixth. Tomas Domene added another in the 33rd minute to put Argentina 3-0 ahead.

Sukhjeet Singh pulled one back for India a minute later, but Domene struck again in the 45th minute to restore Argentina’s three-goal cushion. Toscani completed his brace in the 53rd minute to make it 5-1.

India reduced the deficit through Sukhjeet in the 58th minute before Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke with four minutes remaining. However, the late goals were not enough to prevent India’s exit from the semi-final race.

The result means India will now compete in the classification matches as their campaign for a first World Cup semi-final appearance since their 1975 triumph comes to an end.

Argentina, meanwhile, remain in contention for a place in the last four after their comprehensive victory.