Alexander Hendrickx struck a brace as Belgium notched up an exciting 3-2 victory over India within the second match of the two-leg FIH Professional Hockey League event right here on Sunday.
Hendrickx (forty ninth, 59th) produced two objectives within the fourth quarter to go along with a thirty third minute aim from Nicolas de Kerpel because the Olympic champion fought again from a 0-1 deficit to get the higher off India, a day after being shocked by the guests 4-5 in a shootout.
For India, Abhishek (twenty fifth) had put India forward, whereas Mandeep Singh (60) scored one other aim simply moments earlier than the hooter. With this win, the world champion moved as much as 2nd spot on the factors desk, whereas India sits at third.
India will now tackle Netherlands subsequent week.
Belgium managed the sport early on with higher ball possession and likewise earned the primary penalty nook when Sreejesh saved one along with his foot however within the course of ended up pushing the ball into one of many Indian defender's foot. Nevertheless, Belgium squandered the chance.
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India had an opportunity on the fifth minute when Jarmanpreet despatched a cross from the appropriate however Sukhjeet ended up sending it over the bar.
India loved higher possession through the closing levels of the primary quarter and Jugraj had created a chance with an extended ball via the middle however the customer faltered with the end as Belgium defence was as much as the job.
Jarmanpreet earned a penalty nook 5 minutes into the second quarter however Harmanpreet's shot was saved by goalie V. Vanasch fantastically.
Within the twenty fifth minute, India produced the breakthrough with an excellent area aim with Abhishek guiding the ball into the online after arrange by Gurjant Singh, who fantastically mixed with Vivek Sagar Prasad contained in the circle.
Belgium got here again robust in search of an equalizer however the defence held on with PR Sreejesh effecting an excellent save because the second quarter ended with India main 1-0.
Within the thirty third minute, Nicolas de Kerpel introduced the host again into the sport with a good end after being fed by Arthur de Sloover. A good battle of supremacy ensued however India's defence stood agency, particularly Sreejesh producing some very good saves to disclaim Belgium.
Within the third quarter, India was diminished to 10-man after Akashdeep acquired a inexperienced card.
Issues modified within the fourth quarter when within the forty eighth minute, Surender Kumar conceded a PC and Alexander Hendrickx shortly put Belgium forward with a lightening quick shot that went via the legs of Sreejesh.
4 minutes left for the top of fourth quarter, India earned a penalty nook however goalie Vanasch Vincent put his proper hand on the best way to disclaim the guests.
On minute shy of the hour's mark, Belgium earned one other penalty stroke, a lot to the dismay of Indian camp and Hendrickx transformed it, getting the ball previous Sreejesh excessive on the web to make it 3-1 of their favour.
Nevertheless, a combating India virtually pulled off a heist when Mandeep Singh slept previous the Belgium goalkeeper to scale back the margin.
With simply seconds left on the clock, Vivek then produced a sensational hit on the goalpost nevertheless it went off track as one other thrilling contest got here to an finish.
