Thaindian News

New Delhi, July 14 (IANS) India drew 3-3 with Belgium in the first hockey Test at Temse, Belgium.
India’s Sandeep Singh struck twice from penalty corners in the 26th and 28th minute while Vikas Pillay was on target in the 58th minute Tuesday. Jeff Thys (13th minute), Jerome Truyens (48th minute) and Thomas Briels (59th minute) were the goal scorers for Belgium, according to a release from Hockey India.

Belgium made early inroads to the Indian defence but failed to cash in on the chances.

India missed an opportunity to score when Pillay fumbled on the edge of the circle on a diagonal cross from Sandeep Singh.

Both teams struggled to control the ball on the new turf but Belgium nosed ahead in the 13th minute when the Indian goal was left unguarded after a miscommunication between goalkeeper Sreejesh and Gurbaj and Thys made no mistake.

India fought back through Sandeep, who in absence of injured Sardar Singh manned the defence. Sandeep found the equaliser in the 26th minute and then gave India a 2-1 lead, two minutes later.

Belgium evened out things in the 48th minute when skipper Jerome Truyens found the mark from a penalty corner.

India soon broke into the lead with Pillay being set up by Hari Prasad, but Thomas Briels made it 3-3 in the very next minute.

India were however lucky not to concede another goal at the fag end with Birendra Lakra Jr. making a goalline save after Sreejesh had been beaten.

The second Test will be played at Antwerp Thursday.