defending champion India They kept their title hopes alive by defeating European giants Belgium by a single goal to reach the semi-finals of the FIH Junior Men’s Hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium here on Wednesday. India, who defeated Belgium 2–1 on their way to their title win in the final edition in Lucknow in 2016, continued to dominate the European side in junior hockey. Shardanand Tiwary converting a penalty corner in the 21st minute was enough for India to cement their place in the last four. The match was a classic example of the defensive class on both sides but the Indians did enough to outperform their opponents.
India will take on last edition’s bronze medalist Germany in the semi-finals on Friday. Six-time champions Germany defeated Spain 3-1 in a shootout.
Belgium started off on the offensive and put pressure on the Indian defense in the first few minutes.
But the Indian backline produced good man-to-man marking and remained calm under the pressure of denying Belgium.
Belgium made the first hesitation in the 13th minute but Indian mentor Prashant Chauhan worked to deny Thibeau Stockbroix from close range.
India’s first goal came a few seconds from the first quarter through a creative Uttam Singh, but his effort was blocked by Belgian goalkeeper Boris Feldheim.
India’s confidence grew as the match progressed and in six minutes into the second quarter, Tiwary converted their first penalty corner.
Vice-captain Sanjay Kumar’s dummy set up Tiwary brilliantly and the dragflicker made no mistake in putting the ball into the net.
Two minutes later, Manjeet struck the side netting with a reverse hit.
Belgium got a penalty corner in the 26th minute but Geoff de Winter’s flick went wide and India went 1-0 down at half-time.
The Belgian came out attacking in the third quarter, but failed to break through the determined and determined Indian defence.
There was no clear chance for both the teams in the third quarter, but the Indians were guilty of catching the ball, resulting in fewer open chances.
Belgium were all out in the fourth and final quarter and controlled the proceedings but the Indian defense did enough to thwart their opponents.
In the 50th minute, India’s second goalkeeper Pawan made a brilliant diving save on his right to keep Roman Duvecott’s effort away from goal.
Trailing Belgium continued to push hard and secured a penalty corner in the 52nd minute, which was saved by the Indian defence.
Three minutes from the final hooter, Belgium withdrew their goalkeeper for an extra player and scored a penalty corner just two minutes from the whistle, but once again, Pawan made a fine save to deny de Winter .
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