India hold Belgium to stay ahead in race for last-eight
After subdued start, hosts roar back in thrilling game to maintain better goal difference
BHUBANESWAR: It was as if two different Indian teams turned up in the World Cup game against Olympic silver medallists Belgium on Sunday. The first seemed timid, under pressure and unable to display its skills against a dominant team. The other was fierce, fast and played attacking hockey.
That was the story as India drew world No 3 Belgium to a 2-2 draw in a cracker of a game. The result kept India atop Pool C with a foot in the quarter-finals as they have a better goal difference. Belgium will have to demolish South Africa by a huge margin next weekend and hope Canada make things tough for the hosts.
Belgium silenced the 15,000strong crowd at the Kalinga Stadium with an eighth minute penalty corner conversion by Alexander Hendrickx. It wasn’t until the 39th minute that Harmanpreet Singh equalised via a stroke before India took the lead with a cheeky goal by Simranjeet Singh, his third this tournament, in the 47th minute. Simon Gougnard’s 56th minute field goal ensured a draw.
“Belgium had more attacks in the first quarter and there were lapses on our side. After that we made some changes and it paid off. We knew that once we pull an equaliser then things will be in our control and the public support will play an important role. That happened and we took the lead,” said India coach Harendra Singh.
India, world No 5, began poorly with nothing working for them. Belgium dominated and kept possession (61% in first half), and looked dangerous while the Indian forward line failed to convert chances, be it Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh or Dilpreet Singh. Belgium earned three back-to-back penalty corners, the last of which was converted as Hendrickx’s drag flick along the ground went between ‘keeper PR Sreejesh’s legs.
Maybe it was Harendra Singh’s pep talk or realizing the significance of the game, a different India stepped out in the second half. Suddenly, they looked in charge, and forced two penalty corners, but both were blocked by FIH goalkeeper of the year, Vincent Vanasch.
The second led to a stroke and Harmanpreet Singh converted it. The stadium roared again as India took the lead. Kothajit Singh weaved in from left and the cross across the goalmouth
only needed Simranjeet’s deflection.
A desperate Belgium exchanged their ‘keeper with a field player with five minutes left. It led to brilliant team play that helped Gougnard score, making sure Belgium didn’t lose to India for the third time in a row here, after 2014 and 2017.
“India fought back well after trailing. After equalising, they dominated and attacked more. We made some mistakes and they capitalised,” said Belgium forward Cedric Charlier.
India next play Canada and Belgium take on South Africa on Saturday. “We’re playing the last match and the situation regarding goal difference will be clear,” said Harendra.
CANADA HOLD SA
Canada drew 1-1 against South Africa in Pool C to keep both the teams’ chances of qualifying for the knockout stages alive. South Africa took the lead via a Nqobile Ntuli field goal in the 43rd minute. That was negated when Canada skipper Scott Tupper converted a penalty stroke at the stroke of the third quarter.
SEASONED BRIGADE
Argentina is the oldest team here with an average age of 30 years. Their strength is that most of the