Though India may solely handle an eighth-place end after a 3-4 penalty shootout loss, it confirmed combat to twice claw again from being a aim down to carry Belgium 3-3 in Wavre on the Belifus Area on Friday.
At 2-2, veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh was struck close to his eye as he put his physique on the road to get on the top of Hugo Labouchere’s close-range shot. A bloodied Manpreet was helped off the pitch to a spherical of applause from the house crowd. However even because the Indian workforce may get better from the horror damage, Belgium pounced on an error to attain by way of Nicolas de Kerpel.
The aim was upheld regardless of India’s referral for a contact on the physique within the buildup, which added to a frustratingly combined afternoon for skipper Harmanpreet Singh.
AS IT HAPPENED | India vs Belgium Highlights
Within the first quarter, he was the recipient of a five-minute suspension for an embarrassing state of affairs when his facet fielded 12 gamers earlier than being handed a inexperienced card within the third.
However in between them, he struck along with his trademark highly effective dragpushes to twice equalise, with the second coming with simply seconds left on the clock to stage the scores.
Nonetheless, he couldn’t discover a well past Vincent Vanasch within the shootout, as did his teammate Sukhjeet Singh. India goalkeeper Mohith HS dedicated too early as Belgium managed to seek out the web 4 occasions within the shootout to finish its residence World Cup with one thing to cheer about.
Regardless of wanting second greatest for higher a part of the sport, India’s combat can’t be faulted after a torrid World Cup marketing campaign. India silenced the house facet inside six minutes into the beginning when Abhishek Nain’s shot deflected in off Alexander Hendrickx for the opening aim.
Belgium goalkeeper Vanasch pulled off two saves in the course of the penalty shootout.
| Picture Credit score:
Hockey India
Belgium goalkeeper Vanasch pulled off two saves in the course of the penalty shootout.
| Picture Credit score:
Hockey India
However Belgium continued to suffocate India with its full court docket press and launched a barrage of pictures. Whereas Suraj Karkera resisted within the opening quarter, Mohith couldn’t cease an unmarked Roman Duvekot from equalising earlier than Labouchere scored from Belgium’s fifth Penalty Nook.
India discovered some much-needed management within the third quarter to restrict Belgium from penetrating its circle, whereas coming near scoring from open play. However but once more, it wanted inspiration from Harmanpreet in set-pieces to save lots of its blushes.
Revealed on Aug 28, 2026
