s2h team
Belgium defeated fighting India 3-2 in their second match of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Roman Duvekot struck twice while Nicolas de Kerpel converted a penalty corner in between for Belgium. Duvekot was deservedly declared Best Player of the Match, the one that was played on Rest Day today as it had to be postponed yesterday due to heavy rains. The first goal for India came from Abhishek. Shila Nand Lakra added in the dying moments off Rajinder Singh’s wonderful feed. It was of course too little and too late for India.
Despite trailing by an odd goal at half-time, India bounced back into the reckoning when Olympian Abhishek struck stunner third minute into the third quarter, to bring parity. India could have levelled much before Abhisek, had only Kartik Selvam was little more cautious with this reverse in the final phase of second half. He was well served inside the circle, he turned well and effected a tomahawk only to see it flew high. A shot that should have been a saviour led to despair.
Earlier, the match had to be abandoned yesterday after mere three minutes of play due to heavy rains.
Belgium took lead 0.53 seconds before the end of quarter No.3. And on resumption, struck again off a weak clearance just 0.52 seconds after the Quarter No.4 started. The 3-1 lead became unsurmountable for the new look Indian team led by new captain in Sanjay.
Abhishek against Belgium at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 Pic: Hockey India
Ten minutes before the hooter, Sukhjeet earned a penalty corner, Jugraj Singh took only to see the high ball palmed away by the goalie. Shilanand Lakra tried to connect and push into the goal, but saw it flying uppishly. This was the lone penalty corner that India could earn, while conceding as many as six to their rivals.
This was another example that the side lacks sharp finishers. Shilanand of course made an amend when pushing the ball home after Rajinder SIngh’s guile ball moves kept the Belgium goal rooted to right corner of the cage.
Belgium converted its penalty corner No.5 which they got after a referral for Indian clearance on backstick. Nicolas converted, their first PC goal in the tournament to give 2-1 lead just 0.53 secs remained and they scored 2-1. This time goalie Mohit was beaten black and blue.