Paris Olympics 2024: Indian team loses to Belgium
The Indian
men’s hockey team suffered their first defeat in the men’s hockey competition
against defending champions Belgium in a closely fought encounter played in
Paris on 1st August 2024.
It was a
great start to the game in the first quarter as both teams entered each other D
but the defense was solid, not allowing chances to score goals. Sreejesh
produced a superb save before Hardik cleared the shot. Belgium goalkeeper
Vansach denied the goal with a lovely shot by Abhishek. At the end of the first
quarter, the score remained 0-0.
De Slover
gave away the ball as Abhishek hit a powerful shot inside the D in the 18th
minute to give India a 1-0 lead. Belgium put some pressure on the Indian
defense with lovely saves from penalty corners. Amit Rohidas took the penalty
corner instead of Harmanpreet Singh. At the end of the first half, India led
1-0.
Belgium began
the third quarter on a good note as de Slover did brilliant stick work before
Stockbroek tapped in the 33rd minute to level the scores at 1-1. Boon
was awarded a green card meaning they were one player short. Belgium earned three
penalty corners. P Sreejesh saved the shot, but Dohman scored a goal in the 44th
minute to give a 2-1 lead and ended the third quarter with the same scoreline.
India
looked in an aggressive mood with positive moves, but Belgium's defense
remained solid to deny them. Belgium had two penalty corners in succession
which did not yield any results. Rajkumar was handed a 5-minute ban for a tackle
against Van Aubel.
The Indian
team attacked with lovely play as they earned another penalty corner.
Harmanpreet Singh's shot was brilliantly saved by Van Aubel. Despite their efforts,
the Indian team lost the match by 1-2.
It was a
superb effort by the Indian team against defending Champions Belgium. They will
face Australia in the final group match tomorrow at 4.45 PM IST.
India lose to Belgium in Paris Olympics Group B match
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