India vs Belgium: A High-Stakes Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Battle Between Two Heavyweights

India take on Belgium today in one of the most anticipated clashes of the 2025 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, a matchup shaped by recent form, contrasting styles, and an increasingly tense head-to-head narrative.

For India five-time champions of the tournament, though their last title came in 2010 the fixture is more than a group game. It is a chance to measure themselves against one of world hockey’s most consistent sides and to reinforce the renewed momentum they have built over the past week.

The two teams arrive in very different rhythms. India have clocked three wins from their last four friendly internationals, beating South Korea (1–0), Malaysia (4–3), New Zealand (3–2), and most recently registering an emphatic 14–3 win over Canada. Their only defeat in this phase was a narrow 2–3 loss to Belgium on 25 November—significantly, the last meeting between the two sides before today’s Cup encounter.

Belgium, meanwhile, have been in dominant form across their recent fixtures. They defeated Canada (1–1), India (3–2), South Korea (6–2), Malaysia (9–1), and New Zealand (5–1), showcasing an attacking shape that appears fully sharpened heading into the tournament. Their scoring numbers are particularly striking: 5 goals vs New Zealand, 9 vs Malaysia, 6 vs South Korea Belgium have been ruthless and efficient.

Head-to-Head: Belgium Hold the Recent Edge

The head-to-head record strongly favours Belgium in recent years. In the last eight meetings shown, Belgium have won six, including a 6–3, 3–1, 4–1, 5–1, and 2–1 result, along with the latest 3–2 win. India’s only win in this period came in June 2024—a 4–3 victory that highlighted their ability to push Belgium when playing with front-foot intensity.

But the margins tell a deeper story. India have regularly been within touching distance, losing by a single goal in the last fixture (3–2) and another tight game earlier this year (2–1 via penalties). While Belgium’s forward line has dominated most encounters, India have shown stretches of play where they can puncture Belgium’s defensive structure and shift the momentum.

India’s recent 14–3 win over Canada is the team’s biggest scoring output in over a year and will give the attacking unit confidence. More importantly, the wins over Malaysia and New Zealand were gritty contests where India showed character, composure, and the ability to manage pressure late in matches.

The midfield, which struggled at times earlier in the year, appears to have regained balance and discipline. The transitions India’s traditional strength have looked sharp across the last three matches. Against Belgium, this will be crucial. Belgium thrive in structured build-up, but India can disrupt rhythm with their counterattacking speed and their growing clarity in front of goal.

The defensive unit, however, will need to absorb sustained pressure. Belgium have scored 27 goals in their last four matches a number that underlines the challenge awaiting India.

Belgium’s Form: Relentless, Structured, Dangerous

Belgium enter the match on a near-ideal run. Their 9–1 dismantling of Malaysia and 6–2 win against Korea reflect not only attacking sharpness but also an ability to control tempo. Even in their 1–1 draw against Canada, they dominated possession and circle entries.

Their scoring depth is a major concern for India. Belgium do not rely on one or two finishers goals come from midfielders, drag-flickers, and forwards alike. But their defence, though experienced, has shown occasional vulnerability against high-pace counterattacks something India must exploit.

Key Factors for Today’s Game

India’s start matters: Against Belgium’s structured press, an early concession can tilt the game heavily. India need a disciplined first quarter and clean outlet plans.

Penalty-corner conversion: The team’s set-piece efficiency could decide the contest. Belgium’s PC defence has been strong; India must be clinical.

Midfield cycles: If India can force turnovers and keep the game vertical, they will create chances. Belgium thrive when allowed long spells of possession.

Psychological edge: Belgium have beaten India repeatedly. India breaking that pattern early in the tournament could set the tone for their entire campaign.

For a team that last lifted the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in 2010, this match against Belgium is a genuine marker of where India’s hockey stands heading into the new season. The recent form is promising, the scoring touch is back, and the team appears more settled than it did earlier in the year.

Belgium, though, represent the toughest possible examination. If India can break the streak and claim a win today, it will be their strongest statement of intent in months.

The stage is set for a high-tempo, high-skill contest one worthy of two of world hockey’s most recognizable sides.