India lost to Belgium in the first semi-finals by 0-4 at the World Hockey League semi-finals played at Anterwp, Belgium. It was a disappointing loss for the Indian team as they missed too many chances of scoring goals.
In the first quarter, Belgium began off to good start when Boon hit a powerful reverse flick shot in 2nd minute and converted into a goal to give Belgium 1-0 lead. In the 3rd minute, India hit a shot but was well saved by the Belgian goalkeeper. In 8th minute, Belgium earned a penalty corner and penalty corner was converted by Aubel to give Belgium 2-0 lead. In the 12th minute Belgium hit a shot which went wide. At the end of first quarter, Belgium led 2-0.
In the second quarter, the Indians began off well by hitting a shot in the 2nd minute but were well saved by the Belgium goalkeeper. India dominated the possession but did not convert the chances into goal. In the 11th minute, India missed another chance of converting a goal. At the end of 2nd quarter, Belgium led 2-0.
In the third quarter, Belgium dominated the play. In the 9th minute, India earned a penalty corner but the shot was well wide. In the 10th minute, Belguim hit a shot but was well saved by P Sreejesh. In the 10th minute, Belgium earned a penalty corner. India asked for a review and but the decision stood as penalty corner. The penalty corner was converted by Aubel to give Belgium a 3-0 lead. In last 46 seconds of third quarter, India earned a penalty corner but the shot went wide. At the end of 3rd quarter, Belgium led 3-0.
In the 4th quarter, Belgium dominated the play again. In the 4th minute, Belgium earned a penalty corner but was well saved by Sreejesh. In the 8th minute, Belgium earned another penalty corner and was converted into a goal by Aubel to give Belgium 4-0 lead. India made attempts as the Belgian defense was too strong. India earned penalty corner in the last 21 seconds but did not succeeded.
India will play for the third and fourth place play off on Sunday.