Belgium prove too hot for men in Blue

New Delhi: India failed to convert four penalty corners to go down 0-2 to Belgium at the four-nations invitational men’s hockey tournament at the Blake Park in Tauranga, New Zealand, on Thursday.

Goals by Sebastien Dockier (8th minute) and Victor Wegnez (34th) ensured victory for Belgium.

India are now placed second on the table with a win and a loss, behind New Zealand. The hosts continued their good run, defeating Japan 4-1 on the day to notch up their second win. They had earlier stunned Belgium 5-4 on Day One.

Goalkeeper Sreejesh P.R., who is making a comeback after a long injury-induced absence, made a fine save in the fourth minute to keep the Olympic silver medallists at bay.

It wasn’t long though before Dockier scored off a reverse hit to put his team ahead.

India paid for wasting their third penalty corner, which they had earned in the opening minute of the third quarter.

Wegnez, on the other hand, capitalised on an error by India’s defence utilizing a gap to score.

India continued to fight but could not get any breakthroughs. India continued to fight but could not get any breakthroughs.

India next take on New Zealand in their third match on Saturday.