How Did Late Goals Lead to India's 3–6 Loss Against Belgium in the FIH Pro League?
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Synopsis
The Indian men’s hockey team faced a tough defeat against Belgium, concluding with a score of 3–6 in Antwerp. Despite a spirited comeback, late goals by Belgium proved decisive. Discover the highlights of this thrilling match filled with intense action and standout performances.
Key Takeaways
- India showed resilience by coming back from behind.
- Late goals from Belgium were decisive in the match outcome.
- Strong individual performances from both teams were evident.
- India's strategy needs refinement to maintain control earlier in the game.
- Penalty corner efficiency will be crucial for future matches.
Antwerp, June 21 (NationPress) The Indian men’s hockey team faced a setback, losing 3–6 to Belgium in the ongoing FIH Hockey Pro League 2024–25 (Men) held in Antwerp on Saturday. Goals from Dilpreet Singh (36’) and Mandeep Singh (38’) helped India recover from a two-goal deficit, while a late third goal by Amit Rohidas (56’) kept India competitive.
Belgium's victory was marked by a brace from Arthur Van Doren (1’, 54’), alongside contributions from Alexander Hendrickx (28’), Roman Duvekot (49’), Thibeau Stockbroekx (53’), and Tom Boon (59’).
India fell behind early, conceding a goal within the first minute when Belgium earned two penalty corners in the initial 20 seconds. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera managed to stop a drag-flick from Alexander Hendrickx, but Arthur Van Doren quickly capitalized on the rebound, giving Belgium the lead. The quick start by Belgium kept India on the defensive, struggling to maintain possession or build up play. However, as the first quarter progressed, India began to find its footing.
In the second quarter, India showcased their technical prowess, applying pressure on Belgium's defense and winning two consecutive penalty corners, but were unable to convert. Just before half-time, Belgium extended their lead when Alexander Hendrickx netted another penalty corner.
The third quarter saw India come out strong, eager to make a mark, but Belgium regained control and dominated possession. India was awarded two penalty corners, and on the second attempt, Jugraj Singh’s drag-flick was blocked, but Dilpreet was quick to score on the rebound, narrowing the gap.
A few moments later, Vivek Sagar Prasad sent a ball into a threatening area where Mandeep Singh’s touch deflected off Van Doren and slipped into the net, leveling the score at 2–2. India pressed for a third goal, but a subsequent penalty corner saw Sanjay narrowly miss.
In the final quarter, India was dealt a harsh blow when Roman Duvekot managed a close-range goal after Tom Boon’s impressive run, restoring Belgium's lead following a penalty corner. The last ten minutes were filled with action, with Belgium scoring again after a powerful run by Victor Foubert that allowed Thibeau Stockbroekx an easy finish.
India’s struggles continued as Arthur Van Doren’s fierce shot deflected off Amit Rohidas and found the back of the net, extending the score to 5–2.
Despite the challenges, India remained resilient, and Amit Rohidas converted a critical penalty corner to bring the score to 5–3. Rajinder Singh nearly scored as well but was thwarted by Arthur De Sloover. In the closing moments, Tom Boon found the net again, sealing Belgium's comprehensive victory.
Point of View
The Indian men's hockey team's performance in Antwerp showcased both resilience and areas needing improvement. The fight back against Belgium was commendable, yet the early lapses in defense highlight the need for strategic adjustments. As we support our team, it's essential to focus on learning from these experiences to enhance future performances.
NationPress
21/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
The final score was India 3, Belgium 6.
Who scored for India during the match?
Goals were scored by Dilpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Amit Rohidas.
What are the key highlights of the match?
Key highlights include India's comeback from a two-goal deficit and Belgium's late goals that secured their victory.
When was the match played?
The match took place on June 21, 2024.
Where was the match held?
The match was held in Antwerp.
