Indian men's hockey team loses 1-2 against Belgium in World Cup tune-up

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS): The Indian men’s hockey team lost 1-2 to Belgium in a hard fought third build-up game played Wednesday at Naarden in the Netherlands.

This tour is in preparation for the World Cup 2014 to be played at the Hague, Netherlands, from May 31.

While both teams went into attack right from the start, Belgium managed to open the scorecard in the 17th minute when Tom Boon scored through the penalty corner that the team got. Going into the break, Belgium were still leading 1-0.

In the second half, India did not allow the Belgians to convert any of the chances that they gave to the opponents and showcased a great game of hockey.

Not losing their hope, finally in the 58th minute Rupinder Pal Singh’s conversion of the penalty corner helped India level the score. Putting a great pressure on the opposite side, the Belgium team scored in the very next minute, again from Tom Boon in the 59th minute.

Belgium’s second was a field goal which helped them soon to get over the Indians, earning a respectful win. India will now take on the Netherlands Thursday.