Belgium asserted dominance once more, edging India 4-2 in an enthralling FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 encounter at Rourkela’s Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Saturday. This victory cements India’s third loss in the leg, echoing their previous 3-1 setback to Belgium. Attention shifts to Sunday’s finale versus Argentina, where redemption beckons.
Alexander Hendricks emerged as the match-winner, bagging a ‘double dhamaaka’ with goals in the 14th and 17th minutes from penalty corners. Hugo Laboucheere (11′) and Arthur de Sloover (15′) complemented him, forging a 4-0 lead. India’s second-half resurgence—Aditya Lalage (24′) and Harmanpreet Singh (37′)—added respectability but fell short.
The game kicked off with Belgium’s assured possession play pinning India back. Hardik Singh teased with forward thrusts, yet penetration eluded the hosts. A disallowed goal at seven minutes shifted tides decisively.
Capitalizing swiftly, Belgium earned and converted their first corner through Laboucheere. Hendricks’ ferocious drag-flick followed, despite Kakkera’s resistance. De Sloover’s third-corner variation exploited gaps for 3-0 just before the break.
Hendricks’ encore at 17′ via the fourth corner epitomized Belgium’s ruthlessness. India responded with Abhishek’s incisive move, Lalage netting the rebound past van Doren. Third-quarter parity saw India repel threats and earn a corner, Harmanpreet dragging home his season opener.
Final-quarter drama peaked as India swarmed—van Doren’s brilliance denied a third goal. Pawan’s 56th-minute double save mirrored the tension, sustaining faint comeback dreams. But Belgium’s defensive wall, unbreached in crucial moments, secured the points.
Analysis reveals Belgium’s set-piece supremacy as the differentiator. India’s improved defense post-interval offers hope, but converting chances remains the Achilles’ heel. Facing Argentina, expect a fired-up response to reignite Pro League ambitions.