India vs Belgium: The battle of Kalinga

Bhubaneswar, February 7

They are confident after a stupendous debut at the FIH Pro League but India have their task cut out when they host world champions Belgium in their second round of matches starting here tomorrow.

After skipping the first edition of the tournament in 2019, India made a dream debut, collecting five points from the opening tie against Netherlands.

World No. 5 India thrashed Netherlands 5-2 in the opening match before beating the Dutchmen 3-1 in the shootout after both the teams were locked 3-3 at the end of regulation time in the second match here last month.

Belgium are currently leading the standings with 11 points from four games, while Netherlands are placed second with seven points from as many matches. The Manpreet Singh-led India are fifth. Belgium are brimming with confidence after wins over Australia and New Zealand. Not to forget, the Kalinga Stadium is where the Red Lions won their maiden World Cup title in 2018. But Belgium skipper Thomas Briels admitted that they are expecting a tough fight from the hosts.

“India are looking really sharp and they have been playing well which is something we saw in their initial two matches against the Dutch,” Briels had said after arriving here.

“We expect a tough couple of matches,” he added.

Belgium’s better record

India and Belgium have played 10 times here, with the visitors coming out on top on eight occasions while two games ended in draws. But having said that, India looked a completely transformed outfit against the Dutch and if they continue in the same vein, there is no reason why the hosts can’t upstage Belgium over the weekend. — PTI