In a fiercely contested semi-final match at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, the Indian men's hockey team was defeated by the Belgians today. Belgium dominated India 5-2, with creating chances and converting penalty corners into goals.
Belgium's Alexander Hendrickx scored three goals in the match, ensuring his team's qualification for the final. In the final stages of the game, Belgium's John-John Domen scored the game's fifth goal shattering India's dream to enter the finals in Olympics.
Now on Thursday, August 5, India will face the runner-up of the match between Australia and Germany to win the bronze medal.
Game Highlights
Belgium got off to a great start, with Luypaert scoring the game's first goal in the second minute. Harmanpreet Singh, on the other hand, scored India's opening goal, tying the score 1-1.
India seized the lead thanks to Mandeep's second goal, but Belgium levelled following the penalty corner goal by Hendrickx. Both India and Belgium were tense heading into the final 15 minutes of the game.
Also Read: India loses to Belgium 5-2 in Men's Hockey Semi-final at Tokyo Olympics
Belgium overcame the tie in the fourth quarter when top scorer Hendrickx scored a goal, giving Belgium a 3-2 lead with more than 11 minutes remaining.
Hendrickx scored another goal a few minutes later, giving Belgium a 4-2 lead.
In the final minute, Belgium scores the game's fifth goal against India. Belgium defeats India 5-2 and advances to the final.
The Belgians relentlessly pressured the Indian defence, securing 14 penalty corners, four of which they converted.
With Hendrickx and Luypaert in their ranks, Belgium's game strategy was obvious from the start, enter the Indian circle and earn penalty corners.