ANI
27 May 2023, 02:25 GMT+10
London [UK], May 27 (ANI): The Indian Men's Hockey Team lost to Belgium 1-2 in a hard-fought encounter in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022-23, Europe leg which commenced today at the Lee Valley Stadium in London. Seasoned striker Mandeep Singh scored India's lone goal while Thibeau Stockbroekx (18') and Nelson Onana (60) scored a goal each in Belgium's victory.
Kicking off the overseas campaign, India produced a confident start in the first quarter, creating early opportunities. Vice Captain Hardik Singh played a key role in India's attack, fetching an early shot on goal from the top of the D and shaking off the nervousness of playing against the World Cup runners-up and reigning Olympic Champions. However, Belgium's goalie Loic Van Doren was impressive in the goalpost, whisking away India's hopes of early goal.
The next few minutes of the first quarter saw Belgium drop the pace of the game, cautiously rotated the ball and controlled the play. With 20 seconds left for the first hooter, Belgium who had kept the ball possession for the most part, saw Victor Wegnez create a PC. But Loick Luypaert's drag-flick was stopped by India's first rusher Amit Rohidas, warding off an early setback.
Three minutes into the second quarter, Belgium managed to break the deadlock as they created yet another penalty corner. This time, though Sreejesh made two brilliant saves off the drag-flick from Luypaert, Belgium kept the ball on the rebound only to create a clever set play within the D to beat Sreejesh. It was Thibeau Stockbroekx who picked up a good assist to loft the ball into the net.
Not letting the goal put them under the pump, India bounced back when Vivek Sagar Prasad earned his team their first PC in the 25th minute of the game. Though Harmanpreet picked up a powerful drag-flick, the ball bounced off Belgium's defender on the line of the goal. Mandeep Singh, lurking around the post picked up the rebound, and produced a fine finish to equalize. This was Mandeep's 98th international goal.
With the scoreboard reading 1-1 at halftime, the two teams came off the ten-minute break with a fresh intent to register a lead. Within the first five minutes, both teams traded PCs but neither were successful in their attempts. Though Belgium had another opportunity, just seconds before the hooter went off, they could not convert.
Continuing to be in a gridlock, the match came down to the wire with both teams vying for that elusive goal. Four minutes into the quarter, Belgium managed a PC while trying to drive into the left flank. But Sreejesh was excellent in the post to make fine save. He continued to produce some mouth-watering saves that kept Belgium in the hunt.
While India continued to defend with all their heart, their attack was slowed down with Belgium adapting to full press. The final two minutes of the game remained tense but Belgium came through with a lead when they created a PC with seconds left for the final hooter. It didn't help that India in their effort to defend gave away a few extra PCs that cost them dearly. It was newcomer Nelson Onana who scored from a rebound coming off a PC and securing a win for his team.
India will next take on hosts Great Britain on Saturday 27 May 2023. (ANI)Get a daily dose of Florida Statesman news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Florida Statesman.
More InformationWASHINGTON, DC - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed Elon Musk's success has been built on government subsidies. Without...
EVERGLADES, Florida: Over the weekend, a diverse coalition of environmental activists, Native American leaders, and residents gathered...
BEIJING, China: China's national soccer team may struggle to stir excitement, but its humanoid robots are drawing cheers — and not...
]LONDON, U.K.: A World Health Organization (WHO) expert group investigating the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic released its final...
DOVER, Delaware: California Governor Gavin Newsom has taken legal aim at Fox News, accusing the network of deliberately distorting...
FRANKFURT, Germany: Germany has become the latest country to challenge Chinese AI firm DeepSeek over its data practices, as pressure...
SANTA CLARA, California: Executives at Nvidia have quietly been cashing in on the AI frenzy. According to a report by the Financial...
NEW YORK, New York - Global stock indices closed with divergent performances on Tuesday, as investors weighed corporate earnings, central...
TORONTO, Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced late on June 29 that trade negotiations with the U.S. have recommenced...
Vancouver, Canada: A high-stakes legal showdown is brewing in the world of athleisure. Lululemon, the Canadian brand known for its...
LONDON, U.K.: British oil giant Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire rival oil company BP. The Wall Street Journal...
NEW YORK, New York - U.S. stock markets closed firmly in positive territory to start the week Monday, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones...