FIH Pro League LIVE: India lose campaign opener against Belgium – Highlights

FIRST HALF STATS

As was evident, Belgium enjoyed a majority of the possession (53%) and made a whopping 17 circle entries in the opening 30 minutes.

On contrary, India had only 3 circle entries. Something to rectify for Craig Fulton and co after the break.

Amit Rohidas and Shilanand Lakra celebrate after combining to help India equalise at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.

Amit Rohidas and Shilanand Lakra celebrate (Photo credit: Hockey India)

 

HALF TIME!

End of a very interesting first half. Belgium seemed to be the better side for most parts, but India were not far behind.

After multiple attempts in vain, the Belgians finally opened the scoring after a grave mistake from Harmanpreet Singh.

That goal, however, seemed to have turned on a switch within the Indian set up. There was an extra spring in the step for the Indians since as they went on constant attacks.

It eventually paid off with just over a minute left on the clock.

Time for a short break before we return for the second half.

IND 1-1 BEL

29' - INDIA EQUALISE!

Amit Rohidas with a powerful drag flick for India and it is somehow blocked by the Belgian defence.

The rebound, however, falls to Shilanand Lakra. The youngster makes so mistake. He pounces within the blink of an eye and slots it in.

India have equalised!

IND 1-1 BEL

29' - PC, INDIA!

A good passage of play for India and they have earned a second penalty corner, thanks to Nilakanta Sharma's shot inside the circle.

Can India score with just over a minute left in the first half?

27' - Sukhjeet goes wide

A good aerial ball from Abhishek to change flanks. The ball lands inside the circle and Sukhjeet receives it well.

The latter's shot, however, is wide of the near post.

This was after Nilakanta Sharma came up with a timely tackle to break a Belgium counter-attack inside the shooting circle.

IND 0-1 BEL

24' - Amit Rohidas finds the net

A long drill down the ground from Amit Rohidas and the ball thuds into the goal post. It was hit from way outside the shooting circle and hence the Belgian goalkeeper just lets it by. 

The crowd gets excited for a second, but they soon realise it won't stand.

IND 0-1 BEL

23' - BELGIUM SCOREEE!

A grave error from Harmanpreet Singh. The Indian skipper steps up to take a free hit and he gives it straight to a Belgian player. 

He puts his hands up to apologise but even before he could do that, the Belgians are off on a run.

Before the Indian defence could fall back, Nelson Onana launches a shot into the far low left corner. 

Pawan, despite stepping out to cut the angle, is beaten. Belgium have drawn first blood.

IND 0-1 BEL 

19' - Pawan with a brilliant PC save!

Another penalty corner for Belgium and this time its the goalkeeper, who keeps India afloat.

Pawan stretches full length to his right to parry the ball away from the goal post. He is pumped up. Lets out a loud roar.

IND 0-0 BEL

17' - SAVE, PAWAN!

Pawan comes in as the goalkeeper for the second quarter and he is called into action right away.

Belgium enter the circle from the right and fire in a shot. Pawan blocks it comfortably.

IND 0-0 BEL