India Falls Short Against Belgium in sultan Azlan Shah Cup Opener
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India’s campaign at the 2024 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup began with a closely contested 3-2 defeat against belgium on Monday. Despite a spirited second-half performance and goals from Abhishek and Shilanand Lakra, India couldn’t overcome Belgium’s early lead and strong penalty corner conversions. The match, played in Sintok, Malaysia, saw both teams display attacking intent, but ultimately it was Belgium who secured the victory.
First-Half Frustration
The first half saw India struggle to convert opportunities. Dilpreet Singh thought he had scored, finishing off a well-worked move, but the goal was disallowed due to a risky play call. Belgium capitalized on this frustration,maintaining a 1-0 lead going into halftime.
Second-Half Fightback and Belgian Response
India emerged with renewed energy in the second half, quickly leveling the score through Abhishek, completing a “superb move.” https://www.thehindu.com/sport/hockey/sultan-azlan-shah-cup-hockey-india-lose-to-belgium-in-opener-1-0-3989991.ece Though, Belgium responded swiftly. Nicolas De Kerpel converted a penalty corner in the 45th minute to regain the lead. Roman Duvekot then extended Belgium’s advantage early in the fourth quarter,putting the pressure back on the Indian team.
Late Push and Denied Equalizer
Resolute to get back into the game, India continued to attack. Shilanand Lakra scored a late goal, assisted by a brilliant cross from Rabichandra singh, offering a glimmer of hope with under ten minutes remaining.In the dying moments of the match, goalkeeper Mohit HS made a crucial save to deny Belgium a fourth goal, keeping India within striking distance. Despite their efforts, India was unable to find the equalizer.
Key Takeaways
* Disallowed Goal: A controversial disallowed goal hampered India’s momentum in the first half.
* Penalty Corner Struggles: Belgium effectively utilized penalty corners,scoring twice from set pieces.
* resilient India: India demonstrated resilience by fighting back from behind on two occasions.
* Goalkeeping Heroics: Mohit HS’s late save kept India in the contest.
What’s Next?
India, aiming for a record-extending sixth Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title, will next face hosts Malaysia on Wednesday. https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/sultan-azlan-shah-cup-india-vs-belgium-highlights/blt8999999999999999 This match presents an opportunity for the Indian team to regroup and secure their first win of the tournament.
About the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup:
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is an annual international men’s field hockey tournament held in Malaysia. first held in 1991, it has become one of the most prestigious hockey tournaments in Asia, attracting teams from around the world. The tournament serves as a valuable platform for teams to test their skills and prepare for major international competitions like the Olympics and the world Cup.
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