[ad_1]
The Indian hockey workforce suffered its first lack of the Olympic Video games, happening 1-2 to defending champions Belgium after letting slip a one purpose lead in a pool match on Thursday. Abhishek gave India the lead within the 18th minute earlier than Belgium made a powerful comeback after half-time to attain by Thibeau Stockbroekx (thirty third) and John-John Dohmen (forty fourth) to seal the win and stay unbeaten within the event up to now. Each India and Belgium have already certified for the quarterfinals from Pool B. India had defeated New Zealand 3-2 earlier than drawing 1-1 in opposition to Argentina. Of their final match, the Harmanpreet-led aspect beat Eire 2-0. They are going to subsequent play Australia of their ultimate pool match on Friday.
The Indians had been by far the higher aspect on show, at the very least within the first two quarters as they dominated the possession and created extra probabilities than the Pink Lions.
The Indian defence did effectively to start out with and did not permit the Belgian forwards to create any actual scoring probabilities and thwarted two penalty nook alternatives.
Veteran India custodian PR Sreejesh, taking part in his final worldwide event, stood like a rock in entrance of the purpose.
Nevertheless, it was Belgium which had the primary probability within the type of a penalty nook within the eighth minute however Sreejesh made a terrific save to disclaim Alexander Hendrickx.
The Indians upped the sport as time progressed and it was Abhishek who handed his aspect the lead within the 18th minute.
Abhishek stole a ball from Arthur de Sloover near the D and entered the circle. He then made a positive flip to outwit the Belgian defence and slap his shot house handy India the lead.
Belgium secured one other penalty nook within the twenty third minute however as soon as once more Sreejesh was as much as the duty to disclaim Hendrickx.
Two minutes later, India secured their first penalty nook however Amit Rohidas fumbled the possibility with skipper Harmanpreet Singh not on the pitch.
Trailing by a purpose, the Belgians got here all out all weapons blazing after the change of ends and pressed arduous on the Indian defence which wilted beneath strain three minutes after the restart.
Florent van Aubel created the chance from left flank and Stockbroekx was on the proper place on the proper time to deflect the go contained in the purpose to attract degree within the thirty third minute.
The Belgians secured three back-to-back penalty corners. Sreejesh denied Hendrickx on two events however Dohmen scored from a rebound throughout a purpose mouth melee on the third try handy Belgium the lead.
Thereafter, the Indians created a number of probabilities within the fourth and ultimate quarter and earned a few penalty corners as effectively however didn’t breach the Belgian defence.
India will subsequent play Australia on Friday of their ultimate pool match.
Subjects talked about on this article
[ad_2]
