Indian Women’s team lost their opening game against the host Belgium with a mare 1-0 margin at Antwerp. Both teams showed great attacking hockey and some brilliant stick work as the host struck the game’s first and the last goal at the Hockey World League Semifinals.

India started very quickly as they went on the attack immediately. They were successful in giving the early jitters to the opponents as they easily penetrated the D and tried to capitalize but were unable to do so. Post that the entire quarter witnessed both teams maintaining a good pressure on each other as they tried to score through chances that they created in the semi-circles. But with no goals added to the scorecard the first quarter ended at 0-0.
The second quarter was a similar story as both the teams were unable to add any goal during the session. India had a chance to score in the 23rd minute as a long shot towards the goal post was saved by the Belgium goalie. Seconds left for the first half to end Belgium got the first penalty corner to their name but was saved brilliantly by Savita as she ensured that the opponents did not go past her. With 0-0 on the scorecard the second half was crucial for both the teams.

The third quarter witnessed great action as the session went on to yield the first goal of the match. In the 35th minute, Belgium had another chance on the penalty corner and was saved brilliantly by the Indian goalie but Lieselotte van Lindt scored on the rebound giving no chance to Rajani to stop this time. The very next minute, India had their first chance on the penalty corner and a chance to equalize, but was saved by the Belgium goalie which created a chance for Ritu Rani to score on a rebound but Stephanie De Groof saved for her team. With the sole goal scored by Belgium they led the game 1-0 at the end of the third quarter.

India looking for the equalizer goal, got their second chance on the penalty corner in the 52nd minute but was saved yet again by Belgium and keeping India away yet again. The Indian eves tried creating opportunities to score and equalize the game but not successful in adding to the scorecard, India lost the game 0-1 to hosts Belgium in their opening match.

The FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015 will witness the Indian Eves taking on New Zealand on 23rd June 2015 at 17.30 IST.