India vs Belgium Highlights, Men's FIH Pro League 2025-26: India go down to Belgium for third straight defeat

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India will be fighting not just for points, but for pride when they take on Belgium in the reverse fixture of the Men’s FIH Pro League 2025-26 (Rourkela leg) on Saturday, February 14, at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.

It is a do-or-die clash for the hosts, who are desperate to bounce back after two disappointing performances that have dented their morale.

India head into this match on the back of a humiliating 0–8 defeat against Argentina their biggest-ever loss to the South American side.

India started the match on a good note and had a golden opportunity to take the lead in the first quarter when they were awarded a penalty stroke.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh stepped up but saw his attempt saved. A retake was ordered after Argentine goalkeeper Tomas Santiago moved early, but Santiago once again denied Harmanpreet, leaving India stunned. And, that double miss proved to be a turning point.

Argentina immediately counter-attacked and scored, triggering a complete mental and tactical collapse from the Indian side.

The visitors netted seven goals in the first 30 minutes, India none. Tomas Domene added another in the second half to complete the 8-0 rout, while India failed to register even a consolation goal.

Nevertheless, India’s campaign in the Rourkela leg had already begun on a worrying note with a 1–3 defeat to Belgium.

After a goalless opening quarter, Belgium struck in the 23rd minute when Nelson Onana capitalised on an uncharacteristic error from Harmanpreet Singh.

India responded well before half-time. Shilanand Lakra earned a penalty corner in the 29th minute and slotted home the rebound from Amit Rohidas’ blocked drag-flick to level the score 1–1.

However, Thomas Crols restored Belgium’s lead in the 53rd minute with a powerful strike, and Arno Van Dessel sealed the win in the 57th minute.

Also Read: Hockey: India vs Argentina last five meetings

Following the heavy defeat to Argentina, India head coach Craig Fulton addressed concerns surrounding captain Harmanpreet Singh’s dip in form.

“He is not himself at the moment, as we can all see. But at the same time, we will assess it and see where he is at. Also, if you watched the Hockey India League, he had an injury in the last game,” Fulton said.

Meanwhile, the captain admitted that the match was full of mistakes. “I think we made silly mistakes from our side,” he said.

“There were no individual mistakes. As a team, we made those errors and conceded goals. We weren’t expecting this result but that’s how hockey is today. You will get chances and if you don’t use them, the opposition will capitalize,” Harmanpreet added.

India are currently placed third with zero points and will need to comeback stronger this time as they face a red-hot Belgium side. The visitors sit at the top of the table, unbeaten so far, and head into this clash high on confidence after a 5–2 victory over Argentina in their previous match.

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