Belgium Dominates, India Struggles
In a tough FIH Pro League match, Belgium’s relentless tiki-taka hockey overwhelmed the Indian men’s hockey team, resulting in a 1–4 loss. Despite the scoreline, the deeper issues for India were the constant errors and loss of possession, keeping their defense under relentless pressure.
A Frustrated Sreejesh
Often acting as a player-coach on the field, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was visibly frustrated, yelling at his teammates to express his displeasure. His body language spoke volumes about his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, even though his exact words were not captured by the microphones.
The match was only 14 minutes old when Sreejesh’s outburst occurred, but it failed to rouse the team from their sluggish start. India’s performance remained lackluster throughout the game, unable to handle Belgium’s aggressive pressing and quick ball movement.
Struggles in the Build-Up to the Olympics
This loss is particularly concerning as it comes during the crucial build-up to the Paris Olympics. India’s recent overseas tours, including a series against Australia where they lost 0–5, have highlighted a pattern of slow starts and defensive lapses. These issues need to be addressed promptly, as early mistakes in the Olympics could prove costly.
Belgium’s Tiki-Taka Mastery
Belgium’s tiki-taka style, characterized by swift, precise passing, left the Indian players chasing shadows. The Indian team seemed out of sync, making numerous defensive errors and losing possession under Belgium’s high press.
In the first quarter, Belgium had several golden scoring opportunities, all stemming from Indian mistakes. Tanguy Cosyns alone had three chances to score, with one powerful shot hitting the goalpost.
A Tough Night for India
Belgium’s aggressive pressing suffocated India’s play, leading to the first goal in the 22nd minute. Despite India’s attempts to press high and block Belgium’s passing lanes, Belgium’s deceptive passes and one-touch play easily bypassed India’s midfield and defense.
Sreejesh, usually a reliable last line of defense, had an off day. He failed to decisively block an initial attempt on goal, leading to a simple tap-in for Belgium’s Felix Denayer. Sreejesh also conceded a second goal from a penalty corner, letting the ball slip between his legs.
A Consolation Goal
The young Abhishek provided a glimmer of hope with a well-taken tomahawk shot that beat the Belgian goalkeeper in the 55th minute, reducing the deficit to 1–4. However, this goal was merely a consolation on a night when India was far from their best.
Conclusion
India’s 1–4 loss to Belgium in the FIH Pro League is a wake-up call as they prepare for the Paris Olympics. The team needs to address their slow starts and defensive errors to compete against top-tier teams. Despite the setback, there’s still time for India to regroup and improve before the Olympics.
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