India beat Belgium 4-2 in their final preliminary match to top group A and set up a semi-final clash with Pakistan in the Champions Challenge I hockey tournament. India, who needed just a draw to make the last-four, were tied 2-2 with the Belgians at half-time. Pakistan, on the other hand, thrashed South Africa 4-1 to finish second in Group B.
The beginning of India’s match was spirited, with chances going abegging at both ends, including a penalty corner that India shot wide. India, though, controlled most of the play, with Shivendra Singh and Prabhjot Singh being active upfront, but the Belgian defence held tight.
Prabhjot had the chance to open the scoring after stealing the ball from Xavier Reckinger in deep defence but his shot was just wide. India finally scored through a penalty-corner in the 19th minute with a low flick by Dhananjay Mahadik.
The Indians could have doubled their tally a few minutes later through another penalty corner, but the initial shot was saved and Rajpal could not negotiate the rebound. Belgium reacted well and after crashing a penalty-corner on the post, equalised with a penalty-stroke by Jerome Dekeyser in the 24th minute.
India beat Belgium 4-2 in their final preliminary match to top group A and set up a semi-final clash with Pakistan in the Champions Challenge I hockey tournament. India, who needed just a draw to make the last-four, were tied 2-2 with the Belgians at half-time. Pakistan, on the other hand, thrashed South Africa 4-1 to finish second in Group B.
The beginning of India’s match was spirited, with chances going abegging at both ends, including a penalty corner that India shot wide. India, though, controlled most of the play, with Shivendra Singh and Prabhjot Singh being active upfront, but the Belgian defence held tight.
Prabhjot had the chance to open the scoring after stealing the ball from Xavier Reckinger in deep defence but his shot was just wide. India finally scored through a penalty-corner in the 19th minute with a low flick by Dhananjay Mahadik.
The Indians could have doubled their tally a few minutes later through another penalty corner, but the initial shot was saved and Rajpal could not negotiate the rebound. Belgium reacted well and after crashing a penalty-corner on the post, equalised with a penalty-stroke by Jerome Dekeyser in the 24th minute.