India defeated World No 3 Belgium 3-2 in penalty shootouts on Wednesday, 6 December, to qualify for the semis of the Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneswar.
Belgium were favourites going into the quarter-final match. The Rio silver medallists had topped Pool A after three back-to-back wins, while hosts India had drawn one and lost the other two Pool B matches. However, the Red Lions were in for a surprise as India managed to keep the scoreline at 0-0 at half-time and take a 2-0 lead in the third quarter.
Gurjant Singh netted a field goal in the 33rd minute to score the first goal of the game. SV Sunil’s reverse shot was saved by the Belgium goalkeeper. But as a defender tried to clear the ball, he handed it right to Gurjant, who tapped it in the goal.
Harmanpreet Singh then converted a penalty corner, beautifully set up by Rupinder Pal Singh, to double India’s advantage. Belgium, however, fought back valiantly, scoring two penalty corners in a span of eight minutes to equalise the scoreline.
India’s drag-flick wizard Rupinder then restored India’s lead by converting a penalty corner in the 35th minute. But with seven minutes to go for the match to finish, Belgium’s Amaury Keuster scored a field goal and scores were tied 3-3 at final time.
As the match headed in penalty shootouts, Lalit Upadhyay and Rupinder scored goals for India while keeper Akash Chikte saved four of Belgium’s five shots. Harmanpreet Singh then scored for India in sudden death after which Chikte’s save helped India pull off a massive upset.
Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
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