Double negative: Men lose to Belgium, miss chance to climb to top; Women lose 0-5

PTI

Antwerp, June 12

Alexander Hendrickx struck a brace as Belgium notched up a thrilling 3-2 victory over India in the second match of their FIH Pro League double-header here today.

Hendrickx (49th and 59th minutes) produced two goals in the fourth quarter to go with a 33rd-minute strike from Nicolas de Kerpel as the Olympics champions fought back from a 0-1 deficit.

Abhishek (25th) had put India ahead, while Mandeep Singh (60th) got a consolation just moments before the final hooter. With this win, the Olympics and world champions moved up to second spot on the points table, while India slipped to third. India will take on table-toppers Netherlands next week.

Belgium controlled the game early on with better ball possession. They earned the first penalty corner but squandered the opportunity. India had a chance at the fifth minute when Sukhjeet Singh smashed the ball over the bar from close range.

India earned a penalty corner five minutes into the second quarter, but Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick was superbly saved by goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch.

India got the breakthrough with a superb field goal. Abhishek made a deflection after being set up by Gurjant Singh, who superbly combined with Vivek Sagar Prasad inside the circle.

The hosts pushed for the equaliser early in second half and found success on the counter. De Kerpel pulled off a tight finish after being fed by Arthur de Sloover.

After a tight but goalless third quarter, Belgium again scored soon after the restart. Hendrickx converted a penalty corner with a lightning fast drag-flick, which went through the legs of goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.

With four minutes left, India earned a penalty corner but Vincent again denied the visitors. Under pressure from India, Belgium struck against the run of play after Hendrickx converted a penalty stroke. However, Mandeep reduced the lead within seconds. A fighting India almost pulled off a heist in the final seconds but Vivek’s shot from close range went off-target.

Women struggle

The Indian women’s team had a forgettable day in office as it received a sound 0-5 thrashing at the hands of Belgium earlier today. Barbara Nelen (2nd minute), Charlotte Englebert (4th), Abi Raye (19th), Stephanie Vanden Borre (23rd) and Ambre Ballenghien (36th) scored for the hosts.