Tauranga (New Zealand): The Indian men’s hockey team failed to convert any of the four penalty corners (PC) they earned and ended up losing 0-2 to Belgium at the Four Nations Invitational tournament at Blake Park here, Thursday. Goals by Sébastien Dockier (eighth minute) and Victor Wegnez (34th) ensured Belgium’s win.
Early in the game, PR Sreejesh on a comeback trail made a fine save. However, he could do nothing when a circle penetration by Belgium saw Dockier connect with a reverse hit to put his side ahead.
In the 12th minute, India had a golden opportunity to equalise when forward Ramandeep Singh earned a penalty corner, but the chance went abegging as the ball could not be stopped on top of the ‘D’.
Seven minutes into the second quarter, India earned the second PC. However, Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick was well-defended by the opposition defence. Early into the third quarter, drag-flicker Varun Kumar saw his hit being deflected by a Belgian defender, denying India an equaliser.
Soon after Belgium doubled the lead as Wegnez capitalised on a defensive lapse to score.
India, however, continued to fight with some gritty attempts. India later won their fourth PC, but a nice top of the circle variation though fetched no result.
India will take on New Zealand in their third match, Saturday.
press trust of india
