Indian colts lose to Belgium in four-nation tournament

India’s junior men’s hockey team lost 2-4 to Belgium in its second game of the four-nation Invitational hockey tournament,

Indian team couldn't recover after conceding three goals in a span of eight minutes in the second half.

India’s junior men’s hockey team lost 2-4 to Belgium in its second game of the four-nation Invitational hockey tournament, here.

India had earlier defeated Germany 3-1 in its opening game.

In last night’s game, it was Belgium which broke the deadlock right in the opening minute, winning a penalty corner right off its first attack and Victor Wegnez converting the same to give the team the early lead.

The game’s pace dropped a bit after the goal, with both teams slugging it out in the midfield in their effort to get a foothold in the game.

India won a penalty corner in the fourth minute, but the attempt was saved by Loic Van Doren in front of Belgium goal.

India earned a second penalty corner in the 11th minute and from the ensuing attempt, Harmanpreet Singh converted to draw level. The teams exchanged several penalty corner opportunities in the rest of the first half, but failed to convert a single one to go into the breather tied at 1-1.

After the change of ends, Belgium sounded the board thrice in a span of eight minutes to dismantle the Indians. Fabrice Van Bockrijck (49th), Antoine Kina (56th) and Gregory Stockbroekx (57th) scoring a goal each to put Belgium on top.

Thereafter, Belgium was content to sit back and defend, relying mostly on counters to surprise the Indians.

Ajay Yadav pulled one back for India in the 60th minute, but despite its constant forays into the rival circle, the Belgians managed to hold on its two goal lead.

The Indian colts will face host Spain later today, while the eves will be up against Germany in the five-nation tournament.