India end FIH Pro League campaign with a 4-3 thrilling win over Belgium

The Indian team ended their FIH Pro League campaign on a high by securing a thrilling 4-3 win over Belgium in Antwerp on Sunday, June 22. A last-minute penalty stroke from captain Harmanpreet Singh sealed the win after a brace from Sukhjeet Singh and a goal from Amit Rohidas set up a grand stand finish on Sunday. For Belgium, Arthur de Sloover (8'), Thibeau Stockbroekx (34') and Hugo Labouchere (41') scored but it wasn't enough as India got the win and ended the Pro League campaign in eighth spot. India came into the European leg in third, but a series close defeats meant that they tumbled down the points table and were hoping to secure a face-saving win in Antwerp. advertisementBelgium were off the blocks quickly in the contest, applying pressure on the Indian defence. Their tactics worked as De Sloover got them the early goal with a stunning effort to rattle the Indian side. India's first chance came in the 20th minute when Harmanpreet sent a powerful shot from a PC, but his effort was blocked. However, Krishan Pathak pulled off a fine save to prevent Belgium from making it 2-0 from a counter-attack.
A minute after this, India got the equaliser through a PC as a variation saw Sukhjeet deflect the ball into the net. After the half-time break, it was Belgium who retook the lead through Stockbroekx but Sukhjeet levelled the scores in quick time. Rohidas then gave India the lead in the game for the first time as he converted a PC in the 36th minute. There was lot more of drama to come in the game as Labouchere scored to make the scores 3-3 with 19 minutes to play. advertisementIndia thought they took the lead again through Shamsher Singh, but an important referral from Belgium ensured that it was overruled. In the dying moments of the game, India used their referral to get a penalty stroke. Despite the protests from Belgium, Harmanpreet shut out the noise and got the winner. India will now turn their attention to the Asia Cup and secure their qualification for the World Cup next year. Must Watch

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