India lost its first match in Paris Olympics hockey. They lost 1-2 to Belgium on Tuesday. Although the Harmanpreet Singhs lost to the last time’s gold winners, the Indian team fought hard throughout the match. From the beginning of the match to the end, they fought with their eyes on Belgium. But India could have drawn the match if they fought a little more in the remaining two quarters.
Belgium were trying to keep the ball on their stick from the start. India were trying to steal the ball from the opposition’s stick and score in every attack. India gradually took control of the match. In front of the last time’s gold winners in the Olympics, Harmanpreet was not even shaken. Indian midfielders were playing well. Two minutes later, Abhishek’s shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper.
India took the lead at the start of the second quarter. They took advantage of Belgian player De Sluvar’s mistake. He missed the pass. Abhishek got the ball and entered the Belgium circle and scored with a shot. This is India’s first field goal in Olympic hockey this time. In the 23rd minute, Kina earned a penalty corner. Sreejesh saved that attempt too. In the second quarter, they saved Belgium’s attacks one after another.
The game changed for Belgium from the third quarter. They started attacking a lot. Equalized within three minutes. Belgium’s Day Sluvar enters India’s circle. Fan Aubel gets the ball from there. Stockbrokes scored from his pass. India were trying to take control of the game. Belgium gets three consecutive penalty corners. Sreejesh saved that shot. But Dohmen scored from a tangle in front of India’s goal.
Belgium was dominant in the fourth quarter as well. However, Abhishek wasted an opportunity in the 51st minute. Belgium also missed a penalty corner. Sreejesh again makes a good save. India got a penalty corner two minutes before the end of the match. But Van Aubel of Belgium saved the effort.
