India stun defending Champions Belgium in a thrilling contest

Indian men’s hockey team stunned Champions Belgium in their second match of the Pro Hockey League 2020 played at Kalinga Stadium, Bhuvneshwar on Saturday.

It was an ideal start for the Indian team as a brilliant deflection shot by Mandeep Singh in the 2^nd minute gave a 1-0 lead. After the goal, Belgium played attacking hockey putting the Indian defence under pressure with penalty corners. In the 8^th minute, Belgium earned 3 successive penalty corners. The 3^rd penalty corner was well saved by Krishnan Pathak. At the end of first quarter, India led 1-0.

In the 2^nd quarter, Belgium attacked right from word go and put the pressure on the Indian defence. P Sreejesh was superb with gloves saving so many goals. In the 20^th minute, Ramandeep Singh missed a golden chance to score a goal which was well saved by Belgium goalkeeper. Sreejesh continued to be saving grace and made a lot of saves. At the end of the first half, India were 1-0.

Belgium missed a golden chance to score a goal in the 31^st minute of the game when Van Aubel could not hit a direct shot into a goal. In the 33^rd minute, Boccard scored from a penalty corner which levelled the score at 1-1. After that goal, India were aggressive with their play earning their first penalty corner in the 34^th minute but could not convert. The Indian team had gained back the possession but was not able to gain into goals. In 41^st minute, Mandeep Singh was awarded the goal but on review, the decision was overturned as Mandeep Singh collected outside the D. Both teams had chances of scoring the goals but could not do it. Belgium got a golden chance to score a goal but was well saved by Krishnan Pathak. At the end of third quarter, the scores were level at 1-1.

India got off to a perfect start in the fourth quarter as Ramandeep Singh scored a brilliant deflection goal in the 46^th minute to make it 2-1 in favour of hosts. Belgium attackers put tremendous pressure on the Indian defence with lots of attack. Both teams had chance of scoring a goal but could not do it. In the 58^th minute, Belgium earned another penalty corner but was well saved by P Sreejesh. After few seconds, Rupinder Pal Singh hit PC wide. Before the final hooter, Belgium earned penalty corner which was well saved by P Sreejesh. India defeated World Champions by 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.

The 2^nd leg will be played tomorrow at the same venue.