India registered a comeback after going a goal down at the early stages to clinch a two-all draw against world number three Belgium.Also Read - Men's Hockey Pro League: India's Matches Postponed Due to Covid Cases in Germany Team
After an emphatic start to their campaign where India thrashed South Africa 5-0, the Manpreet Singh led outfit will now face a stiffer challenge when they take on Belgium in a Pool C tie. Belgium beat Canada 2-1, which was a well-fought match. For India, Simranjeet Singh scored a brace, while Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, and Lalit Upadhyay scored a goal apiece. Also Read - FIH Pro League: India Ready For France, RSA Challenges With Bigger Tests Ahead In The Season
India will rely on its penalty corners as they know that is a huge strength they possess, whereas Belgium who got seven PC’s against Canada but were not able to convert any of them. India knows that a win will seal a quarter-final spot for them. Also Read - No Room For Complacency On Opening Tour Of Year: Hockey Coach Graham Reid
“We scored a mixture of beautiful field goals and penalty corners. Yes, we didn’t score directly from penalty corners but how we score doesn’t matter,” Harendra had said.
The coach said against Belgium the Indian strikers will need to capitalise on the chances the way they did against South Africa.
“If you think only about goals then you run for the goals and forget your basics and structure. You need to avail the opportunity that comes your way,” he added.