It was another exciting encounter as Belgium took the revenge as they defeated India by 3-2 in the 2nd leg of Pro Hockey League played at Kalinga Stadium, Bhuvneshwar on Sunday.
In the first quarter, the Indian started on the attack, but Belgium gets their first shot on goal as it well saved by P Sreejesh. Belgium earned their first penalty corner of the match and Alexander Hendrickx hit a low drag flick which went into the goal in the 3rd minute to give the visitors 1-0 lead. The Indian team showed their intention right by attacking but the Belgium defence was up to mark. Before the hooter, Vivek Prasad converted deflection shot which went under Vanasch legs to level the scores at 1-1.
It was a perfect start for Belgium in the 2nd quarter as a pass by Simon Goungard and deflection shot by Nicolas de Kerpel in 17th minute to give visitors 2-1 lead. India bounced strongly as they earned a penalty corner and a rebound shot by Amit Rohidas in the 17th minute to level the score at 2-2. Indian team showed their intent by playing aggressive hockey putting pressure on Belgium defence. In the 26th minute, Harmanpreet Singh tries to cross the ball but was well intercepted by Van Doren and gave the pass to Maxime Plennevanux to give Belgium lead again at 3-2. Both teams had chances of scoring goals, but Belgium held on a 3-2 at half-time. Despite more circle penetration in the first half, Belgium played better hockey and converted chances into goals.
The third quarter saw India attacking the Belgium half getting two chances but could not convert it into goals. In 33rd minute, India earned a penalty corner but was not able to find the net. Belgium found their rhythm with attacking moves, but the shots were well saved by P Sreejesh. The visitors put the Indian defence under immense pressure, but Indian goalkeeper showed his class. At the end of the third quarter, Belgium still led 3-2.
The Indian team started positively in the fourth quarter with creative moves in the circle. After a few minutes, Belgium put Indian defence under immense pressure. In the last four minutes of the match, Belgium were down to 10 players, but Indian players could not use to their advantage. Krishnan Pathak makes a good save and withdrawn with 50 seconds on the clock. Belgium held their nerves to win the tie 3-2.
Belgium have consolidated their lead in the points table. It was India’s first loss in the Pro Hockey League. They are at 2nd position with 8 points. India’s third-round match will be played against Australia on 21st and 22nd February at Kalinga Stadium, Bhuvneshwar.
