India vs Belgium: India lose 3-1 to Belgium, out of medal contention

India’s inspiring run at the Rio 2016 Olympics was ended by Belgium in the quarter-finals after they lost the match 3-1 on Sunday to crash out of the tournament. Belgium march into the semi-final of the hockey competition while India head home.

India was a match of two halves as India had their chances in the first half while Belgium dominated the possession. The second half clearly belonged to Belgium as they created regular chances and scored on three occasions.

India were the first to score when Akashdeep Singh deflected a brilliant pass from Manpreet Singh from outside the circle in the first quarter. Belgium did have their chances but the Indian defence was up to the task to deny them.

Just before half-time, India conceded a penalty corner but goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made a brilliant save for India to maintain India’s lead.

Belgium began the second half with a series of attacks and kept up the pressure on the Indian defence. India could never play on the front foot but managed to deny them before Stephan Dockier produced a brilliant move to beat two Indian defenders and sent a powerful hit past Sreejesh to equalise.

Dockier scored again in the third quarter with a push into the top corner of Indian goal to give Belgium the lead. They ended the third quarter with a 2-1 lead.

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