India concedes late goal to allow Belgium to get away with a draw

India started its Champions Trophy campaign with wins over arch-rival Pakistan and Olympic champion Argentina before a hard-fought defeat against defending champion Australia. 

Now, the Indian side faced another tough challenge in the form of World No. 3 Belgium and in the end the young Belgium squad was able to hold India 1-1  as well. 

Harmanpreet Singh scored his 3rd goal of the tournament early in the first half giving India lead 1-0 over Belgium and just a few seconds before half-time Indian side was presented with an opportunity to increase the lead over Belgium but it was brilliantly saved by Belgium. In the third quarter, two chances were created by Mandeep but India was just not able to find the net. 

However, just a few seconds before the end of 4th quarter, Luypaert came in late to score the equaliser against the men in blue. The 1-1 draw keeps India within the chance of going forward and playing the final with one game left for India against host Netherlands. 

The Belgium side has created a lot of impact with a young squad, the team has played 4 matches in the Champions trophy so far with drawing three and losing the other. Before the match Indians were at 3rd spot group standings with six points while Belgium are fifth with two points. 

Indian side against Australia was only able to convert one out of the nine penalty corners awarded and the same disappointing performance was repeated on Thursday.  A lot of chances were created, many penalties awarded but Indian attackers were not able to find the net.