ANTWERP (BELGIUM), June 21: India’s free fall in the European leg of the men’s Pro League hockey continued as they lost 3-6 to Belgium — their seventh defeat on the trot — in their penultimate round match here on Saturday.
Arthur van Doren scored in the first minute off a penalty corner to put world number three Belgium in the lead before Alexander Hendrickx made it 2-0 in the 28th minute off another PC conversion.
Dilpreet Singh struck in the 36th minute — also from a penalty corner — to reduce the margin and Mandeep Singh restored parity in the 38th minute with a field goal.
But, Indian defence crumbled in the fourth and final quarter as Belgium pumped in goals through Roman Duvekot (49th), Thibeau Stockbroekx (53rd) and van Doren (54th) — all field strikes — to take 5-2 lead.
Amit Rohidas pulled one back for India in the 56th minute — off a PC — but Belgium added another goal in the 59th minute through Tom Boon to emerge 6-3 winners.
India won more penalty corners in the match, earning nine as against six of Belgium.
India’s dream of booking a direct ticket to next year’s World Cup has been crushed after the winless campaign in the European leg so far.
Earlier, India had lost to the Netherlands 1-2 and 2-3, followed by defeats to Argentina (2-3, 1-2) and Australia (2-3, 2-3).
India sit eighth in the nine-team standings with 15 points, having managed just five wins against 10 losses.
India play the same opponents again on Sunday in their final round fixture. (PTI)
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