LONDON: India went down 1-2 to Olympic champion Belgium in the FIH Pro League 2022-23 match at the Lee Valley Stadium in London on Friday.
Playing its first match under new coach Craig Fulton, the Harmanpreet Singh-led side fell behind in the 17th minute after a goal from Thibeau Stockbroekx.
The Men in Blue, who currently sit at the top of the points table, equalized seven minutes later courtesy Mandeep Singh.
However, with less than two minutes left in the match, Belgium’s Nelson Onana scored the winner off a penalty corner.
India started confidently and created opportunities in the first quarter. Vice-captain Hardik Singh played a key role in the attack, fetching an early shot on goal from the top of the D and shaking off the nervousness of playing against the World Cup runner-up and reigning Olympic champion. However, Belgium’s goalie Loic Van Doren was impressive in the goal post ans saved Hardik’s attempt.
Three minutes into the second quarter, Belgium managed to break the deadlock as it created yet another penalty corner. This time, though Sreejesh made two brilliant saves off the dragflick from Luypaert, Belgium kept the ball on rebound only to create a clever set play within the D to beat Sreejesh as Stockbroekx picked up a good assist to loft the ball into the net.
India next face Great Britain on Saturday. Agencies
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