Junior hockey team beaten by Belgium

Valencia, October 27 

India had defeated Germany 3-1 in their opening game. In last night’s game, it was Belgium who broke the deadlock right in the opening minute, winning a penalty corner right off their first attack. Victor Wegnez converted to give them the lead.

The game’s pace dropped a bit after the goal, with both teams slugging it out in the midfield in their effort to get a foothold in the game.

India won a penalty corner in the fourth minute but the attempt was saved by Loic Van Doren in front of the Belgium goal.

India earned a second penalty corner in the 11th minute and from the ensuing attempt Harmanpreet Singh converted to draw level. After the change of ends, Belgium sounded the board thrice in a span of eight minutes to dismantle the Indians.

Fabrice Van Bockrijck (49th), Antoine Kina (56th) and Gregory Stockbroekx (57th) scored a goal each to put Belgium on top.

Thereafter, Belgium were content to sit back and defend, relying mostly on counters to surprise the Indians. Ajay Yadav pulled one back for India in the 60th minute, but, despite India's regular forays into the rival circle, the Belgians managed to hold on their two goal lead.

India vs S Korea in semis     

India will take on South Korea in the Asian Champions Trophy semifinals after the Koreans conceded a late equaliser to Malaysia and finished fourth. Pakistan defeated China 4-0 and will face Malaysia in the semis.

Surender suspended

Defender Surender Kumar has been suspended for two matches following a deliberate foul during the game against Malaysia. “Surender was shown a yellow card for an off-the-ball incident in which Surender lifted his stick, causing his stick to hit the chin of a Malaysian player,” an official said. — PTI