India lose 1-2 to Belgium in their third build-up game of European Tour

New Delhi, 16 April 2014: Indian Senior Men Hockey team lost to Belgium 1-2 in a hard fought third build-up game played at Naarden in The Netherlands today. This tour is in preparations for the FIH Men’s World Cup 2014, scheduled to be held at The Hague, Netherlands from 31 May -15 June 2014.

While both the teams went on the attack from the starting of the game, it was Belgium who managed to open the scorecard in the 17th minute when Tom Boon scored through the penalty corner opportunity that the team got. Going into the break Belgium was still leading the game with the 1 goal lead.

In the second half, India did not allow the Belgians to convert any of the chances that they gave to the opponent team and showcased a great game of hockey. Still not losing their hopes, finally in the 58th minute Rupinder Pal Singh’s conversion of the penalty corner helped India level the scores. Putting a great pressure on the opponent’s side, the Belgium team immediately scored in the very next minute, this time it again came from Tom Boon in the 59th minute. Belgium’s second conversion was a field goal which helped them to take soon over the Indians giving it a respectful win.

India will now take on Netherlands on 17 April 2014 which will be streamed live.

Results

India 1 – Rupinder Pal Singh 58^th minute

Belgium 2- Tom Boon 17^th minute and 59^th minute