Hindustan Times: Belgium stick it to India

RIO DE JANEIRO: In the end it was a repeat of the familiar story with a disappointing end that has played out in the Olympics since 1980. Another spot in the semi-finals was missed, as India failed to make it to the last-four stage of men’s hockey in the Olympics since 1976. The lone spark was in the depleted Games at Moscow when Vasudevan Baskaran’s team won the country’s eighth and last gold medal.

Belgium’s wait for a place in the semi-finals has been longer – 88 years in all. They last reached the last-four stage in 1928 when India won their first gold. For a better part of this period they were in the wilderness as India ruled the sport, winning seven more gold medals. However, they made a strong return to the sport in the last decade and re-entered the Olympic fold in 2008. They finished ninth in Beijing and improved to 5th, four years later in London, the year they defeated India in the Olympics for the first time.

The same story was repeated in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday as Roelant Oltmans’ boys went down 1-3 to a superior Belgium team in the second quarterfinal to crash out of the Olympics. The Indian team made the same mistakes in attack and defence and looked tired towards the end of the match as Belgium came back strongly in the second session to score three goals and seal a memorable victory.

Belgium have been one of the most consistent teams in this Olympics, a well-balanced unit that has shown attacking flair, making it a clash between their forward line and India’s defence.

On Sunday, Belgium’s attack exposed the defensive frailties of India. The Red Lions thus made the semi-finals of the Olympic hockey competition for the first time since 1928.

Sebastien Dockier scored a brace and Tom Boon contributed one goal after Akashdeep Singh put India ahead as Belgium established their ascendency in the second session and romped to victory.

India’s hockey party at the Rio Olympics got over without a medal as it has happened since 1980. However, this team did show some promise, short-lived though. But for a few moments of indifferent performance against Germany, Netherlands and a poor game against Canada, the outcome could have been different.

India started well and got the better of the initial skirmishes. They showed intent as both teams tested each other in the first quarter. India scored towards the end of the first quarter and maintained their lead till the half-time as the defence spearheaded by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh thwarted a number of Belgian attacks.

The Indians slacked as Belgium rode their superior fitness to dominate possession. They could have taken the lead in the first session itself but for some good work by the Indian backline.

Belgium dominated the second half as the Indians lost steam, left lot of gaps in the middle and were late in tackling Belgium’s surging runs. Their body language flagged once Belgium took the lead. India did make some attacks in the final quarter with the score 1-1, but two quick goals by Dockier and Boon sealed their fate.