India overcomes gritty Belgium to enter CT semis

Nitin Thimmaiah’s 13th minute field goal — that he struck off Birendra Lakra and Akash Singh’s feed — turned out to be the winner of the Indian’s quarterfinal against Belgium here in Melbourne Champions Trophy.

Belgium, which finished fifth in the last Olympics against India’s 12th, came ferociously in the second half, especially in the last quarter, but a lion-hearted Indian defence, led by superb skills of goalie PT Rao, stood ground, to frustrate at least three well-executed Penalty Corners of the rival, to garner glory at Melbourne.

Indian team played like a well-oiled machine, but had to see better ball possession from the team ranked six places above in the FIH chart in the first ten minutes. Thereafter, India surged ahead with both flanks opening up, entry into the circle coming easily.

Birendra Lakra shortly later sprinted from the right flank, outwitted a couple of defenders before sending a cross into the circle, where Akash Singh received but could only deflect back into the middle of the circle. A defender harried to send it out when lanky Nitin latched on to it before banging to the right corner of the net. The ball went home through the narrow space between the left leg of goalie and the right post.

India had created a number of chances to go up, but twice Yuvraj Walmiki and once Gurwinder Chandi failed upfront in near goal situations.

Its ultimately a test for defenders and goalie, as the Belgians pressed hard in the entire second half.

Defender VR Raghunath had a wonderful day, often coming in the nick of time to snatch the balls from the solo-performing forwards, even indulging in body play.

India in fact survived last ten minutes with lot of suspension, as the Belgians pressed hard, and were getting penalty corners, added to the worry for the Indians were the yellow card suspension of Gurwinder Chandi.

India, which won a video referral in the first half against umpire David Gentle awarding a penalty corner in the 21st minute, but lost out next in the dying moments. However, the Belgium’s shot went wide off the left post in their last penalty corner.

Before this, PT Rao showed superb skills to take a high flick on his left hand, and deflect the ball, to deny the attacking Belgians in an another penalty corner drill.

No surprise therefore the entire Indian team rushed to him after the hooter.

In all the Belgians got six penalty corners, but the last one that went wide, provided much thrill in the 67th minute, as the Belgium definitely pressed superbly, and by all accounts deserved a goal.

Indian defence consisting of Birendra Lakra and VR Raghunath deserves every applause, so also Sardar Singh who though subdued today, came out with good work, besides goalie PT Rao, who is definitely the hero of the day.