The Indian men’s hockey team eked out a fighting 2-1 win over reigning World and European champions Belgium to register their fourth consecutive win of the tour here on Tuesday.
Amit Rohidas (10th minute) and Simranjeet Singh (52nd) scored for world No 5 India.
Belgium’s lone goal came from the stick of captain Felix Denayer in the 33rd minute.
India started the game on an attacking note and earned a penalty corner in the 10th minute, which was duly converted by Rohidas to give his side the lead.
World No 2 Belgium, however, did not sit back and tried to counter the Indian attacks.
But some last-ditch defending from the Indians coupled with some fine saves by experienced goalkeepers helped the visitors to maintain one goal lead till the half.
Belgium showed their quality in the opening minutes of the third quarter as they secured another penalty corner in the 33rd minute and Denayer scored with stunning drag-flick to level the scores.
Thereafter, both the teams seemed focused on not giving away possession cheaply.
India were happy to sit back and wait for their opportunity and the tactic bore fruit in the 52nd minute when they scored a well-constructed team goal in the 52nd minute through Simranjeet.
Down by a goal, Belgium attacked in numbers in the dying stages of the match but the Indians came up with some resolute defending to secure their fourth consecutive win of the tour.