The Indian Men’s Hockey Team suffered a 1-4 defeat against Belgium in their second match of the European leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 on Friday. Abhishek (55’) scored the lone goal for India, while Belgium’s goals came from Felix Denayer (22’), Alexander Hendrickx (34’, 60’), and Cedric Charlier (49’).
Belgium started the game with more aggression, but India’s well-organized defence managed to absorb the early pressure. As the first quarter progressed, India began to assert itself, pushing Belgium back with several attacks from the right flank. Despite these efforts, the first quarter ended goalless.
The second quarter saw both teams matching each other in intensity. India earned a penalty corner within the first three minutes, but Harmanpreet Singh’s shot was blocked by the Belgian goalkeeper. Belgium broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when Felix Denayer found space inside the area and scored, giving Belgium a 1-0 lead. India continued to press but couldn’t equalize before halftime.
India came out aggressively in the third quarter, but Belgium’s defence remained resolute. The game saw action at both ends, but Belgium extended their lead to 2-0 in the 34th minute through Alexander Hendrickx, who converted a penalty corner. The third quarter ended with Belgium leading 2-0.
In the final quarter, India increased their urgency but struggled to break through Belgium’s defence. Cedric Charlier added to Belgium’s lead in the 49th minute with a well-executed field goal, making it 3-0. Abhishek pulled one back for India in the 55th minute, but Belgium sealed their victory with a penalty stroke converted by Alexander Hendrickx in the 60th minute, ending the match at 4-1.
The match also marked a significant milestone for Jarmanpreet Singh, who completed 100 international caps.
