Hockey World Cup 2018: India holds Belgium, South Africa and Canada play out a draw

India almost won the match against Belgium, but settled for a 2-2 draw, while a wasteful South Africa earned 1-1 draw against Canada in the Hockey World Cup 2018 Pool C matches at the Kalinga Stadium Bhubaneswar.

Photo: Biswaranjan Rout

India almost snatched a victory against Olympic silver medallist Belgium but finally settled for a thrilling 2-2 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday

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It did not take Belgium much time to take a lead after beginning the game with high tempo as Alexander Hendrickx scored from a penalty corner in the 8th minute.

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After surviving several scares in the second quarter, Harendra Singh's men came out as a different team after half time and equalised through Harmanpreet Singh's 39th minute penalty stroke.

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It suddenly seemed to awaken a full-house Kalinga Stadium, which was up and roaring every single pass of the home team.

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Then in the 47th minute, Simranjeet Singh --who famously scored the winning goal against Belgium in the 2016 Junior World Cup final-- scored from a Kothajit Singh pass to send the crowd into raptures.

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It was India's game to lose as Belgium threw in a 11th outfield player to get the equaliser and succeeded as Simon Gougnard scored in the 56th minute.

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In the first game of the day, South Africa, after wasting several opportunities, took the lead through Nqobile Ntuli's 43rd minute goal.

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South Africa's joy was short lived as Canada skipper Scott Tupper stepped up to a penalty stroke in the final minute of 3rd quarter to make it 1-1.

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India almost snatched a victory against Olympic silver medallist Belgium but finally settled for a thrilling 2-2 at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, on Sunday