India’s dragflick sensation Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to hep his team beat Belgium 3-2 at the Three Nations Invitational Tournament here on Monday.
India had lost 1-2 to Belgium in its first match of the tournament and drew 2-2 with Germany in its second. Goals by Harmanpreet Singh (34th minute, 38th) and forward Ramandeep Singh (49th) helped India win on Monday.
After losing its previous game 1-2 to Germany on Sunday, Belgium made a strong start against India.
The 2016 Rio Olympics silver medal winning team was precise and dominant. Though India earned back-to-back penalty corners (PC), it could not convert them.
Amaury Keusters, then, scored a brilliant field goal for Belgium, giving it a 1-0 lead in the 13th minute.
India played cautiously in the second quarter, thwarting Belgian attackers inside the striking circle. Meanwhile, India won two PCs in the 23rd and 24th minute but Harmanpreet’s well-struck flick was blocked by the Belgian defenders. The second quarter was goalless.
India's first goal came in the 34th minute, in its fifth PC of the match. This time Harmanpreet was impeccable with his dragflick. He scored again, four minutes later, through a tactfully-earned PC.
Belgium levelled the score in the 45th minute when Tanguy Cosyns brilliantly converted a PC.
India fought back in the final quarter, constantly testing the Belgian defence. India forward Ramandeep Singh scored the winner with good assist by his compatriots in the 49th minute.
India play Germany on Tuesday.
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