After winning their first practice match against France by 1-0 with India’s sole goal coming from Rupinder Pal Singh, the India Men Team narrowly lost to Belgium by 1-2 in their second practice match, held yesterday in Antwerp, Belgium, ahead of the Fintro Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015.

FIH Rank # 4 Belgium opened the account in 12th minute of the match through a field goal. In the 32nd minute, India’s forward player Akashdeep Singh levelled the score by 1-1 through his brilliant stick-work. After the equaliser, both the teams fought neck-to-neck to score the winning goal and India managed to keep the ball in their possession for most of the time. However, it was the host nation Belgium who scored the winning goal in the 52nd minute through a field goal and won the match by 2-1.

Both the teams earned three penalty corners each but they failed to convert the opportunities into goals. India will play their third practice match against FIH Rank # 26 the USA on 16th June 2015 at 07:00 pm IST.

Fintro Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015 is scheduled from 20th June to 05th July 2015. India will be seen clashing against France at 09:30 pm IST in their opening match of the tournament on the 20th June 2015. The matches will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.