India finish eighth at FIH World Cup after shoot-out loss to Belgium

India finished eighth at the FIH World Cup after losing 3-4 to co-hosts Belgium in a shoot-out following a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time here on Friday.

India had looked set for defeat when world No. 2 Belgium led 3-2 in the final minute, but captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner with just 26 seconds remaining to level the scores and force a shoot-out.

The goal was Harmanpreet’s eighth of the tournament.

Abhishek had earlier opened the scoring for India, while Harmanpreet added another goal to complete his brace. Roman Duvekot, Hugo Labouchere and Nicolas de Kerpel scored for Belgium.

In the shoot-out, Shilanand Lakra, Dilpreet Singh and Abhishek found the net for India, but Belgium held their nerve to win 4-3 and secure seventh place.

The result ended India’s World Cup campaign in eighth position.