Paris Olympics 2024: It was a dismal outing for India Men's Hockey Team on Thursday, August 1, as the side suffered their first defeat in Men's Hockey tournament at the hands of Belgium. The reigning Olympic champions scripted a comeback victory after India took a shocking lead in the second quarter, and with the win, Belgium are now top of the table with a cent percent group stage record at this year's Games.
India will now face Australia in their last group game, as the second spot will be on the line.
India Vs Belgium, Men's Hockey Pool B Match — Here's How It Happened
India started off the proceedinsg well but found themselves struggling later in the first quarter, as Belgium created good amount of chances, but remained unlucky in their attempt to convert them. Few good saves off the penalty corner saved India from going behind early in the game, and the first quarter ended 0-0.
The second quarter produced the biggest shock of the match, as India took a shock lead via Abhishek and the Indian side managed to play out the quarter without conceding a goal.
However, Belgium came into the second half with a completely different mindset, and their pursuit of a goal got fulfilled via Thibeau Stockbroekx and soon managed to find the winner via John-John Dohmen, as the game was going away from India's hands.
The final quarter of the match witnessed India struggle heavily, as in their desperate need of an equaliser, they were getting exposed with the gaps in the backline, and Belgium showed persistence and resilience to not let India get the equaliser and the Harmanpreet Singh-led side were subject to facing a couple of penalty corners in succession.