Belgium earned back-to-back penalty corners around the 10-minute mark, but the Indian defensive unit stood firm to end the first quarter goalless.
Photo: IANS
The Indian hockey team showed grit and resilience but fell short in a rain-affected, rescheduled clash at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, losing 2-3 to Belgium on Tuesday. Abhishek (33’) and Shilanand Lakra (57’) netted for India, while Roman Duvekot (17’, 46’) and Nicolas De Kerpel (45’) struck for Belgium.
India began the match with discipline, absorbing early Belgian pressure and keeping their attacks at bay. Goalkeeper Pawan made crucial saves on either side of the first break to keep the scores level as India slowly settled into rhythm. Belgium earned back-to-back penalty corners around the 10-minute mark, but the Indian defensive unit stood firm to end the first quarter goalless.
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The second quarter saw India dictating play with crisp passing and purposeful moves forward. But against the run of play, Belgium broke the deadlock through Roman Duvekot in the 17th minute, finally breaching Pawan’s resistance. India thought they had an immediate equaliser when Dilpreet Singh finished a well-worked move, but the umpire disallowed the goal for dangerous play. Despite continued Indian pressure, Belgium retained their 1–0 advantage heading into halftime.
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India started the second half with renewed intensity and were rewarded when Abhishek (33’) finished off a flowing attack to level the contest. With momentum shifting their way, India pressed hard for a second goal, but Belgium struck next as Nicolas De Kerpel (45’) converted a penalty corner to reclaim the lead.
Within seconds of the fourth quarter, Duvekot (46’) added another, stretching Belgium’s advantage to 3-1. India refused to back down and nearly pulled one back from a penalty corner as the clock wound down. Their persistence finally paid off in the 57th minute when Shilanand Lakra slotted home after a superb cross from Rabichandra Singh, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
India continued to push, and with 90 seconds left, Mohit HS produced a brilliant save to keep their hopes alive. However, despite a spirited final surge, the equaliser remained out of reach, and Belgium held on for a narrow win in a tightly contested encounter.
India will next play Malaysia on Thursday.
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