The recent showdown between the Indian men’s hockey team and Belgium proved to be a challenging test, culminating in a 1-4 victory for the Belgian side. India’s lone goal was netted by Abhishek in the 55th minute, while Belgium exhibited their prowess with successful strikes from Felix Denayer (22’), Alexander Hendrickx (34’, 60’), and Cedric Charlier (49’).
From the outset, Belgium asserted a formidable offensive presence, placing pressure on the Indian defensive unit. Nevertheless, India demonstrated resilience in withstanding the early onslaught. The first quarter concluded with a 0-0 stalemate as both teams vied to gain the upper hand.
The second quarter witnessed continued intensity from both sides, with India earning a penalty corner that unfortunately did not translate into a goal. It was Felix Denayer who shattered the deadlock with a goal in the 22nd minute, securing a 1-0 lead for Belgium. Despite India’s efforts, they entered halftime trailing by a goal.
Following the interval, India emerged with a renewed sense of urgency, but Belgium’s defensive line remained steadfast. The third quarter saw Belgium fortify their lead with a goal from Alexander Hendrickx, concluding the quarter with a 2-0 advantage.
As the match progressed into its final phase, Belgium augmented their lead with a goal from Cedric Charlier, extending their lead to 3-0. India managed to narrow the deficit with a goal from Abhishek in the 55th minute, yet Belgium cemented their triumph with another goal from Alexander Hendrickx, culminating in a 4-1 victory.
Notably, Jarmanpreet Singh reached a significant milestone by attaining 100 international caps during the match.
This encounter serves as a valuable learning experience for the Indian men’s hockey team as they continue their pursuit of excellence in international hockey. Undoubtedly, the team will conduct a thorough analysis of their performance, identifying areas for enhancement in preparation for future contests.