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Hockey World Cup HIGHLIGHTS: Belgium draw level against India

India are placed in Pool C alongside reigning Olympic silver medallist Belgium, South Africa and Canada and the table toppers will directly qualify for the last-eight round.
Indian hockey players. (Photo | Twitter/Hockey India)
Indian hockey players. (Photo | Twitter/Hockey India)
Online Desk

A litmus test awaits India in their second pool match of the men's hockey World Cup Sunday and chief coach Harendra Singh said he considers the game against world no. 3 Belgium as a virtual "pre-quarterfinal" for the home team.

India are placed in Pool C alongside reigning Olympic silver medallist Belgium, South Africa and Canada and the table toppers will directly qualify for the last-eight round.

With India notching up a 5-0 win over South Africa in their opener and Belgium beating Canada 2-1, the hosts just need a victory over the Red Lions to secure their place in the quarters and avoid the cross-overs.

Full-time scores

Match tied

Belgium 2-2 India

Into the last minute

The match is in it's final minute as scores are level.

Save

Sreejesh saves a Belgian attempt from the right.

Winner takes all

Winner of this match will qualify directly for the quarterfinals and has a chance to top the Pool.

Belgium equalise

Belgium equalise with a field goal.

Simranjeet scores

India lead as Simranjeet finishes off brilliantly to take India ahead in the game.

End of Q3

Belgium 1-1 India

Crowd celebrates

Long shot

Lalit tries a long aerial shot from the half but is unable to find the net and it goes wide.

India lose referral

India refer for a PC but the decision stands as the referee doesn't find any conclusive evidence to change the on-field decision.

Equaliser

India equalise from the spot as Harmanpreet nets one with a quick flick.

Penalty stroke

India win a penalty stroke

PC for India

Chance to equalise as India win a penalty corner

Save!

Belgian keeper saves another goal attempt by India.

Q3 begines

India are going hard and looking to equalise early in the second half.

Circle penetration

Belgium have nine penetration while India have only one.

Half-time

Belgium 1-0 India

21' Lalit and Dilpreet showcase some fascinating combination play on the edge of the circle as Dilpreet lines up a shot at goal.

Green card

Akashdeep Singh gets a green card.

Stats

End of first quarter

Belgium 1-0 India

Chance missed

India miss out on a goal-scoring oppurtunity after brilliant save by Belgian goalkeeper.

India keep up the pressure

After conceding the first goal, India are back in the attacking mode.

Goal for Belgium

Belgium draw the first blood against India as they score from the penalty corner.

PC for Belgium

Belgium win their third penalty corner after a video referral.

India on attack

India are attacking the Belgian circle from both sides.

The starting XI

Danger averted

India defends two penalty corners to keep the Belgium attack away from finding the net.

PC for Belgium

Belgium get a penalty corner but fail to convert.

Wishes!

Match begins

The match commences with Belgium having the early possession.

National Anthem

Both the teams walk out for the national anthem before start of play. 

Coming up

What we think?

Head-to-head since 2013

India have faced Belgium 19 times in past five years and have come out victorious on five occasions while the Belgians have won 13 games. They drew in their last encounter during Champions Trophy at Breda, Netherlands earlier this year. 

RSA vs CAN- Result

South Africa draw 1-1 against Canada in their Pool C clash. 

Momentum

India will look to carry on the momentum and capitalise on an unimpressive first match for the Belgians against Canada where they narrowly won the match 2-1.

Recap

India crushed South Africa 5-0 in their first match of the tournament with Simranjeet Singh scoring a brace.  

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India vs Belgium
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