Hockey World Cup 2018: India and Belgium off to a winning start

Best moments from the India vs South Africa and the Belgium vs Canada matches on the opening day of the Hockey World Cup 2018 at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

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After a nervous start, India opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Mandeep Singh from a penalty corner. [PC: Biswaranjan Rout]

Photo: Biswaranjan Rout

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Two minutes later, Akashdeep Singh doubled India's lead with a calm finish at the near post as India ended the first quarter 2-0. [PC: Twitter/TheHockeyIndia] ▲

The atmosphere inside the 15000 capacity Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar was electrifying as every Indian attack was received with a thunderous roar. [PC: Twitter/TheHockeyIndia] ▲

South Africa looked like it would score a goal but Simranjeet Singh's 43rd minute goal stretched the lead for the host. [PC: Biswaranjan Rout] ▲

Lalit Kumar Upadhyay scored in the final minute of Q3 to put the result beyond doubt. [PC: Biswaranjan Rout] ▲

Simranjeet added his second and his team's fifth in the 46th minute to make sure that the India's World Cup 2018 campaign is off to a rollicking start. [PC: Biswaranjan Rout] ▲

In the first match of the day played between Olympic silver medallist Belgium and Canada. Belgium opened the scoring in the 3rd minute through Felix Denayer. [PC: PTI] ▲

After seeing his goal in 12th being disallowed, Belgium captain Thomas Briels doubled the Red Lions' lead in the 22nd minute. [PC: Biswaranjan Rout] ▲

Canada pulled one back in the 48th minute through Mark Pearson and almost threatened to score an equaliser, but Belgium held on to win 2-1. [PC: PTI] ▲