Hockey: India vs Belgium last five meetings

Published at :July 31, 2024 at 6:46 PM

Modified at :August 1, 2024 at 5:47 PM

Belgium have dominated India in the last five matches.

India boasts a rich history in hockey, marked by nearly a century of unmatched success. The Indian hockey team has excelled across all facets of the sport, securing gold medals at the Olympics and championships in the World Cup. Despite their historical dominance, India’s men’s team has never held the number one spot in the world rankings since the official FIH rankings were introduced in 2003.

The original ranking system, which only included FIH competitions, was often unfavourable to smaller countries for extended periods. To address this, a new ranking system was implemented in 2020. Beyond the rankings, India has also developed notable on-field rivalries, with Belgium being a prominent adversary in recent times.

Looking at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024, India remains the most successful hockey team in Olympic history, while Belgium holds the title of reigning Olympic Champions.

Notably, Belgium defeated India in the group stage match of the Paris Olympics 2024. Both teams have always managed to enthrall the audience during the course of their rivalry.

Here’s a look at the last five meetings between these hockey powerhouses.

Also Read: Hockey: India vs Belgium head-to-head record

#1 Belgium 2-1 India, August 1, 2024

The Paris Olympics 2024 saw two unbeaten teams take on the group stages in a pool B encounter. Belgium had won three straight matches while India had won two and drawn one. India started off strong as Abhishek scored an early goal.

Belgium did not stay on the backfoot for long as they scored twice to take the lead and close the match in their favour. Thibeau Stockbroekx and John-John Dohmen socred the decisive goals as the team recorded their fourth consecutive win at Paris.

#2 Belgium 2-2 India (Penalty 3-2), May 25, 2024

Coming off a disappointing 4-1 loss against the same opponent the previous day, India improved their performance by creating more chances in the first half as they opened the scoring. While India continued to create chances, Belgium produced the equalizer close to half-time. They extended the lead by scoring a goal from a rebound after PR Sreejesh saved a drag-flick.

It appeared as if India was on the verge of losing again, but Sukhjeet Singh saved the blues by scoring from a close range to make it 2-2. The home team Belgium was too good as they scored three goals to take home the win and a bonus point.

#3 Belgium 4-1 India, May 24, 2024

Harmanpreet Singh’s team suffered a severe reality check en route to Paris when they were soundly defeated 4-1 by Hosts Belgium, who outplayed them for the most part. After Ireland had left them speechless the night before, Belgium emerged victorious and India looked weak. Late on, Abhishek scored India’s lone goal while India’s woes for field goals continued.

The game also emphasized the importance of having a strong goalie, as Belgium’s Vincent Vanasch, is one of the best in the world. His serves proved decisive as the Indians couldn’t convert the chances created by their midfield. It was a wake-up call for India to pick the experienced PR Sreejesh as their guardian for the goalpost.

Also Read: Hockey at Paris Olympics 2024: Updated schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details

#4 Belgium 1-5 India, June 2, 2023

Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front as India dominated Belgium 5-1 in the 2023 FIH Pro League. India’s first goal came from midfielder Vivek Sagar Prasad in the play’s second minute. Amit Rohidas (30′) and Dilpreet Singh (60′) scored India’s fourth and fifth goals, respectively, while Harmanpreet Singh (21′, 30′) scored a brace.

Belgium collected several penalty corners and appeared to be a strong attacking team as well. Manpreet Singh, a former captain of India, led the staunch Indian defense. The Indian front line persisted in putting the Belgian defense to the test.

#5 Belgium 2-1 India, May 26, 2023

India faced Belgium in the European leg of the Pro League, entering the match at the top of the points table. Belgium earned a penalty corner three minutes into the second quarter, breaking the tie. In the 25th minute, Vivek Sagar Prasad earned India its first penalty corner.

Despite Harmanpreet Singh’s powerful drag-flick, the ball deflected off a Belgium defender on the goal line. Mandeep Singh, positioned near the post, capitalized on the rebound to equalize with a superb finish. However, in the final seconds before the hooter, Belgium scored the decisive goal, securing the win and the points.

India vs Belgium overall head-to-head

Olympics

Matches Played: 8
India: 3
Belgium: 4
Draw: 1

Hockey Pro League

Matches Played: 7
India: 2
Belgium: 4
Draw:1

Hockey World Cup

Matches Played: 4
India: 2
Belgium: 1
Draw: 1

Total

Matches Played: 92
India: 51
Belgium: 26
Draw: 15

India vs Belgium goals scored

India: 234
Belgium: 156

India vs Belgium biggest wins

Biggest India Win: 2020-21 FIH Hockey Pro League
Biggest Belgium win: 2020 Olympic Games

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