ANTWERP (BELGIUM), June 12: Alexander Hendrickx struck a brace as Belgium notched up a thrilling 3-2 victory over India in the second match of the two-leg FIH Pro Hockey League tournament here on Sunday.
Hendrickx (49th, 59th) produced two goals in the fourth quarter to go with a 33rd minute goal from Nicolas de Kerpel as the Olympic champions fought back from a 0-1 deficit to get the better off India, a day after being stunned by the visitors 4-5 in a shootout. For India, Abhishek (25th) had put India ahead, while Mandeep Singh (60) scored another goal just moments before the hooter. With this win, world champions moved up to 2nd spot on the points table, while India were at the third.
India will now take on Netherlands next week.
Belgium controlled the game early on with better ball possession.
Jarmanpreet earned a penalty corner five minutes into the second quarter but Harmanpreet’s shot was saved by goalie V Vanasch superbly.
In the 25th minute, India produced the breakthrough with a superb field goal with Abhishek guiding the ball into the net after set up by Gurjant Singh, who superbly combined with Vivek Sagar Prasad inside the circle.
Belgium came back strong but the defence held on with PR Sreejesh effecting a superb save as the second quarter ended with India leading 1-0.
In the 33rd minute, Nicolas de Kerpel brought the hosts back into the game with a tight finish after being fed by Arthur de Sloover. A tight battle of supremacy ensued but India’s defence stood firm, especially Sreejesh producing some superb saves to deny Belgium.
In the third quarter, India were reduced to 10-man after Akashdeep received a green card.
Things changed in the fourth quarter when in the 48th minute, Surender Kumar conceded a PC and Alexander Hendrickx quickly put Belgium ahead with a lightning fast shot that went through the legs of Sreejesh.
One minute shy of the hour’s mark, Belgium earned another penalty stroke, much to the dismay of Indian camp and Hendrickx converted it, getting the ball past Sreejesh high on the net to make it 3-1 in their favour.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s hockey team lost 5-0 to hosts Belgium in the second leg of their FIH Hockey Pro League 2021/22 tie at the Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein. (PTI)
