Resurgent India face off against undefeated Belgium in quarter-finals of Champions Trophy
The Indian Hockey team’s credentials as the title contender for the Champions Trophy will be under scrutiny when they square-off against the yet undefeated Belgium on Thursday. India, after their plucky win against the Dutch team yesterday, pipped Germany in the points table for a third position finish based on their superior goal difference. India, on the way to the quarters, lost two matches and won one and garnered three points.
Belgium, ranked 4 in the world, are going strong and have not yet lost a match. They first defeated Pakistan 2-1 and drew their consequent matches against Australia 4-4 and England 1-1. Often billed as the dark horse, they have been one of the most consistent teams of the tournament.
India high on confidence
The win against the 2nd ranked Netherlands will be a timely boost for the morale of the Indian team going into the quarters. India’s campaign until now was off track with disappointing last minute losses against Germany and Argentina. However India shrugged off their last minute jitters yesterday and eked out a resounding victory.
India will again look for some inspiration from their charismatic captain Sardar Singh and ever reliable goalie P.R. Sreejesh. Rupinder Pal Singh and V.R. Raghunath’s experience at the back would also be under investigation.The responsibility for the conversion of penalty corners will be on the sturdy shoulder of young Gurjinder Singh.
Up front India will depend on the likes of S.V. Sunil, Akashdeep Singh and Manpreet Singh to score the bulk of goals. Birendra Lakra still looks doubtful to start due to injury.
Starting Line-up- Sardar Singh (captain),P.R. Sreejesh (Goal-keeper),Rupinder Pal Singh, V.R. Raghunath,Gurjinder Singh,Manpreet Singh, Danish Mujtaba,Ramandeep Singh, SV Sunil , Akashdeep Singh, Nikkin Thimmaiah
Belgium on red-hot form
After sinking Pakistan 2-1 in their opening match, the Belgians fought tooth and nail against Australia in the second match and forced a dramatic 4-4 draw. Carrying on the same form, they played another exciting draw against the mighty England.
One of the most consistent and improved teams of the tournament, Belgium would take heart from their previous 3-2 win against India in the World Cup earlier this year.
The team would again bank on their captain John-John Dohmen and the mercurial Tom Boon who is now the most expensive player in the upcoming Hockey India League. Amaury Keusters and Thomas Briel would spearhead the forward line for the Belgians.
Starting Line-up- John-John Dohmen(captain),Vincent Vanasch(Goal-keeper),Tom Boon,Amaury Keusters ,Thomas Briel,Tanguy Cosyns,Florent Van Aubel,Sebastian Docker,Elliot Van Strydonck,Felix Denayer,Simon Gougnard