Indian dragflick sensation Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace to ensure a 3-2 victory over Belgium at the Three Nations Invitational Tournament in Dusseldorf on Monday.
Earlier in the tournament, India had lost 1-2 to Belgium in their first match, and drew 2-2 with Germany in their second game.
It was goals by Harmanpreet Singh (34', 38') and forward Ramandeep Singh (49') that helped India win.
After losing 1-2 to Germany on Sunday, Belgium made a strong start against India by playing an attacking game right from the word go.
The 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallists showed precision and were dominant with skill and ball possession. Though India caught them on the wrong foot early on by earning back-to-back PCs, they could not convert the chances.
Belgium, however, came up with a brilliant field goal, thanks to Amaury Keusters, to take a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute and put India under pressure.
India played cautiously in the second quarter, not allowing Belgian attackers easy penetration inside the striking circle. Meanwhile, India won two PCs in the 23rd and 24th minute, but Harmanpreet's well-struck flick was blocked by Belgian defenders. The second quarter went goalless.
Going into the second half, India got their breakthrough in the 34th minute when they bagged their fifth PC of the match. This time, Harmanpreet was impeccable with his dragflick, making sure he converted to give India the equaliser.
In the 38th minute, he converted another goal through a tactfully-earned PC to help India claim a 2-1 lead over Belgium. Though Belgium earned a PC in the 40th minute, India goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya did well to come up with an impressive save and kept the lead.
Belgium found success in the 45th minute through Tanguy Cosyns brilliantly struck flick. This was Belgium's fourth PC of the match.
With the score reading 2-2, it all came down to the final quarter, where both teams pushed hard to seal the match in their favour.
India held their nerve with a strong fight back, constantly attacking the Belgian defence and make space in the D. India forward Ramandeep Singh was the one to find the breakthrough with good assist by his compatriots in the 49th minute.
His successful shot on goal helped India regain the lead with the score reading 3-2. The Indian defenders were commendable in their effort to keep India in the lead and eventually win the match.
India play Germany in the final game of the Three Nations Invitational Tournament on Tuesday.
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