Belgium wins against India Junior Men Hockey Team at the 4-Nations Invitational Tournament

Valencia, Spain 26 October 2016: India’s Junior Men Hockey team went down to Belgium 4-2 in their encounter at the 4-Nations Invitational tournament yesterday.

Belgium broke the dead lock right in the first minute of the game, winning a PC right off their first attack; Victor Wegnez converting the same to give them the early lead.

The game’s pace dropped a bit after the goal, with both teams playing the game in the midfield, trying to get a foothold in the game. India won themselves a PC in the fourth minute, but the attempt was saved by Loic Van Doren in Belgium’s goal. They had a second PC, eleven minutes in, and from the ensuing attempt, Harmanpreet Singh converted to drag them level.

The teams exchanged several PC opportunities through the rest of the half, but failed to convert and went into the break, level at 1-1.

In an eight minute spell in the second half, Belgium scored three goals; Fabrice Van Bockrijck (49′), Antoine Kina (56′) and Gregory Stockbroekx (57′) scoring to put Belgium three goals clear.

Belgium were then content to sit back and allow India to attack, while they looked to play on the counter.

Ajay Yadav scored a goal in the 60th minute, but despite India’s constant forays into the circle and attacking intent, the Belgians held strong to take a 4-2 victory.

In their first match of 4 nations, Indian junior men had defeated Germany by 3-1.

India’s Junior Men Hockey Team play the hosts, Spain at the 4-Nations Invitational Tournament at 22.30 hours IST on 27th October 2016.