After winning the first two league matches against Germany and New Zealand, the India U-21 Men Team today went down fighting against Belgium U-21 team by 1-3 in their third league match in the Volvo International U-21 (Men) Tournament being played at Breda, The Netherlands. After the goal-less first half, both the teams displayed their mettle in the second half and Belgium outplayed India with two quick goals.
The first half started with aggressive attacks from both the U-21 teams as they tussled against each other to control the ball. The Indian colts continued with their fast-paced attack and kept their opponent busy in the midfield. After a few penetrations, India won a number of penalty corners but they faced a tough defence-line of the Belgian young players and could not materialise the chances. On the other hand, Belgium counter-attacked quickly and pushed the Indians back to their half. In the last few minutes, the Belgian colts earned a penalty corner, which was perfectly saved by Indian goal-keeper Suraj Karkera. After an intense battle from the both sides, the first half finished at 0-0 score-line.
The second half saw more aggression from both the Junior teams as the young talents desperately wanted to open their accounts. It was Belgium who managed to earn a penalty corner in the first few minutes, but again Indian custodian Suraj foiled the attack. In the 42nd minute, Belgium U-21 players attacked again and Tom Degroote, seeing an opportunity, hit the ball into the Indian goal-box to take the lead of 1-0. However, their joy was short-lived as the Indians earned two back-to-back penalty corners and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh converted the second chance into a marvellous equaliser in 48th minute. After seven minutes (55th), the Belgians counter-attacked and earned another penalty corner, which Tanguy Zimmer successfully converted into their second goal and took the score-card to 2-1.
Continuing their surprise attacks, the European team increased their lead in the 62nd minute, when Xavier Deruyttere scored the third goal for his team.
After conceding the final two goals, the Indian colts fought back hard and charged from all sides. India managed to earn another penalty corner in the last minutes but could not convert it and lost the match by 1-3 at the final whistle.
India will now clash against the host nation The Netherlands on 22nd July 2015 at 16:30 IST at Breda, The Netherlands.