HWL 2017: India beat Belgium; storm into Semifinals

ONI Bureau: What a game! And, what a result! Goalkeeper Akash Chikte sealed the game for India, as they stormed into the semifinals of Hockey World League 2017 (HWL 2017) Finals with a thrilling victory over Belgium in sudden death.

Both India and Belgium displayed superb Hockey in the quarterfinal game at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar tonight. Gurjant Singh (31′) and Harmanpreet Singh (35′) put India in 2-0 lead. But, Belgium bounced back as Loick Luypaert (39′, 46′) converted two back to back penalty corners.

India took the lead again in the 46th minute with Rupinder Pal Singh scoring a goal. But, Belgium equalised in the 53rd minute through Amaury Keusters. Both teams tied at 3-3 at regulation time.

In the penalty shootout, both missed three chances each and finished at 2-2. In sudden death, Harmanpreet Singh scored for India, but Akash Chikte saved one shot from Belgium to give India a victory.