Belgium, ranked second on the earth, took the lead within the 18th minute with a aim from Thibeau Stockbroekx. Nevertheless, India managed to equalize within the twenty fifth minute by way of Mandeep Singh‘s aim.
The match remained evenly poised till the ultimate minutes when the Indian defence faltered and conceded a couple of penalty corners. Within the sixtieth minute, Belgium’s Nelson Onana transformed one among these penalty corners, securing the victory for his crew.
All through the sport, each groups displayed robust performances, matching one another when it comes to expertise and gameplay. India had an early alternative within the fifth minute, however Belgium goalkeeper Loic van Doren made a powerful save to disclaim Hardik Singh’s shot from the highest of the circle.
In the direction of the top of the primary quarter, Belgium earned a penalty nook, which was successfully defended by the Indian backline.
Regardless of the loss, India showcased their aggressive spirit towards the reigning Olympic champions, setting the stage for additional thrilling encounters within the FIH Males’s Hockey Professional League.
Belgium secured back-to-back penalty corners within the 18th minute and Stockbroekx broke the impasse from the second probability, deflecting in Loïck Luypaert’s feed after India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made a double save.
It took India seven minutes to attract parity by way of an opportunist Mandeep who tapped dwelling from a rebound after skipper Harmanpreet Singh‘s flick from a penalty nook was saved by the Belgian defence.
Two minutes into the third quarter Belgium secured one other set piece however didn’t utilise it.
Harmanpreet’s flick from a penalty nook minutes later was saved by van Doren.
Within the forty fifth minute, Belgium secured one other penalty nook however the Indians defended in numbers.
4 minutes into the ultimate quarter, Belgium earned one other set piece and this time Sreejesh got here to India’s rescue.
India too had a couple of nice probabilities to take the lead however Sukhjeet Singh and Gurjant Singh’s efforts have been saved by the Belgian custodian.
The Indian crumbled below Belgium’s relentless strain within the remaining minute of the sport and conceded back-to-back penalty corners, the second of which was put into aim by Onana from a rebound after Sreejesh made the preliminary save.
India will tackle hosts Nice Britain of their second match of the Europe leg of the Professional League right here on Saturday.
(With PTI inputs)