India recover to hold Belgium in a thriller

India recovered from a slow start to produce a superb second half performance and hold titlecontenders Belgium to a 2-2 draw in a crucial Pool C match of the FIH World Cup on Sunday.

India have thus given themselves a very good chance to earn direct qualification to the quarter-finals. The Belgians were the favourites to win this encounter, but the Indians did well to stage a spirited comeback and earn a well-deserved point.

The hosts are now at the top of Pool C, edging Belgium to the second spot on goal difference. Both teams have four points after winning their respective campaign openers in contrasting fashion.

Alexander Hendrickx drew first blood for Belgium when he fired a penalty corner in the eighth minute.

Harmanpreet Singh scored the equaliser in the 39th minute before Simranjeet Singh put them in the lead in the 47th. But Florent van Aubel scored Belgium’s second goal in the 56th minute.