India lost to Belgium in the semifinals of the World Hockey League finals at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai International stadium, Raipur just a few moments ago. It was an excellent performance by team India but could not convert the chances into a goal.
In the first quarter, India began well getting the first chance in the 3rd minute as the Indian forward missed a chance of scoring a goal. In the 4th minute, a powerful shot from Charlier gave Belgium a 1-0 lead. In the 10th minute, India was awarded a penalty corner but Belgium referred it for touching stick as Belgium kept their review. In the next moment, a scoop shot and a solo run by Belgium forward was well saved by Sreejesh. At the end of first half, Belgium led 1-0.
In the second quarter, India began well by attacking in the first minute as SV Sunil gave a pass to Akashdeep but was not able to convert chance into a goal. In the 7th minute, a soft play gave Van Aubel a chance of scoring a goal. Belgium was attacking but could not convert chances into goals. In the 14th minute, a reverse flick shot was missed as the ball went over the goal post. At the end of 2nd quarter, Belgium led 1-0.
In the third quarter, India played the much more attacking game. In the 5th minute, Akashdeep got a chance but skies it up. India played some excellent hockey in the third quarter but could not convert chances into goals. Belgium was down to 10 players for 2 minutes, but the Indian team could not capitalize on the chances. At the end of third quarter, Belgium still led 1-0.
In the fourth quarter, India got a chance of scoring a goal when Akashdeep missed another chance of scoring a goal. The Belgium team was down to 10 players for 5 minutes. In the 12th minute, India missed a chance of scoring a chance into a goal but India asked for a review but the umpire said there was no decision to change and India lost the review. In the 13th minute, Sunil gave a pass to Ramandeep but could not convert chance into a goal. At the end of fourth quarter, Belgium won the match by 1-0.
India will play Netherlands for the bronze medal match tomorrow.