Thaindian News

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) India defeated Belgium 4-3 in the second hockey test match Thursday at Braxgata, Boom to level the three-match series.
India had lost 3-6 in the first match.

The goal-scorers for India were Hari Prasad (8th), Sandeep Singh (32nd and 64th) and Rajpal Singh (55th minute), while Belgium scored through Tom Boon (4th), Cedric Charlier (11th) and Jeff Thys (18th minute).

India brought back goalkeeper Adrian D’souza, Sardar Singh, Rajpal singh, Gurvinder Chandi and Bharat Chhikara in the starting lineup.

Skipper Sandeep also returned after his recovery from a flu bout.

India rallied after trailing 2-3 at the breather.

Belgium earned their first penalty corner as Sardara Singh committed a defensive error. The resultant flick struck V.S. Vinaya leading to a penalty stroke which was converted by Boon to give Belgium the lead.

India equalised when Hari Prasad found the mark deflecting home from a Shivendra set up to make it 1-1.

Belgium were back on their toes and their efforts paid dividends as a faulty clearance by Sandeep was intercepted by Charlier, who beat D’souza from the top of the circle to give Belgium the lead again.

The tally was further increased in the 18th minute after Jeff Thys got past Vikram Pillay and Gurbaj Singh and beat D’souza low to his right.

India regrouped themselves and initiated onslaughts to reduce the margin. However, penetrations from Sunil and Rajpal bore no fruit as Belgium captain Xavier Reckinger and Vincent stood tall.

India scored their second goal in the 32nd minute when Sandeep sank a penalty corner to the right of Vincent.

India then missed a few opportunities to score. Rajpal made amends as he flicked past Vincent from a penalty corner in the 55th minute.

India’s match winner came from their last penalty corner. Sandeep fired home to give India the victory.

The third and final Test will be played at Braxgata Saturday.