The India A men’s hockey team began its European tour with a 1-3 defeat against Belgium on Thursday at the Sportcentrum WilrijksePlein in Antwerpen. Despite a spirited fightback in the later stages, early defensive lapses proved costly for the visitors.
Belgium dominated the opening quarter, finding the back of the net three times in quick succession. The hosts capitalised on India’s unsettled start, catching the defence off guard and building a lead that ultimately proved unassailable.
Captain Sanjay managed to pull one goal back for India in the final quarter, displaying resilience and leadership in a match where his side struggled to find their rhythm early on. It was a well-deserved consolation for an Indian side that gradually regained composure and took control of possession through the second half.
India A coach Shivendra Singh acknowledged the early shortcomings but expressed satisfaction with the team’s recovery and performance after the first quarter. “Despite a shaky start, the overall game was very good. We conceded early but did well to bounce back and control the game in the second half. The ball positioning was good and we created a lot of chances, just need to focus on our finishing,” he said after the match.
Indeed, India’s improved structure and ball movement in the latter three quarters showed promise, with several attacking plays developing through midfield buildup. However, lack of clinical finishing in the circle continued to be a concern.
This match marked the beginning of a key testing period for the India A squad, which features a blend of emerging talent and experienced prospects. The European tour is expected to offer valuable exposure ahead of future senior-level assignments.
India A will now head back to Eindhoven for two high-stakes fixtures against the Netherlands on July 18 and July 20. The matches are scheduled to begin at 21:30 IST and 20:30 IST respectively.
With time to reflect and adjust, the Indian team will be keen to fix its early defensive errors and improve goal conversion as it faces a formidable Dutch side. The upcoming clashes present a crucial opportunity for India A to reset their campaign and showcase their potential on the international stage.
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