Hockey | India's tour of Europe | India start their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Belgium

08/10/2017

The Indian hockey team kicked off their tour of Europe in Belgium with a 1-0 loss at the hands of the hosts as Tom Boon scored in the dying minutes of the match to clinch the win for his side. India are scheduled to play five matches against Belgium, Netherlands, and Austria on the 15-day tour.

A young Indian side consisting of six uncapped players and a new captain for the tour in Manpreet Singh did not start their 15-day European exposure tour on the desired note as they lost their first encounter by a single goal.

The match started with a see-saw battle for possession and with both sides lacking clinical finishing the first quarter ended with the scoreboard at 0-0. The same story was repeated in the second quarter as well, as both sides failed to break down each other's defence.

With both the sides adopting a similar style of play in the third quarter as well the match seemed to be heading for a draw. But a lapse of concentration from the Indian defence resulted in Tom Boon scoring a goal in the 60th minute for Belgium and that eventually proved to be the difference- maker between the two sides.

India next plays Belgium once again on Thursday but sadly for the Indian fans, the tour of Europe will not be telecast in India.