Belgium produced a clinical final-quarter performance to defeat India 3–1 in their opening match of the Rourkela leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Wednesday.
Goals from Nelson Onana (23’), Thomas Crols (53’) and Arno Van Dessel (57’) secured all three points for the visitors, while Shilanand Lakra (29’) scored India’s lone goal.
The contest was intense from the opening whistle, with both sides displaying defensive discipline and tactical clarity in a tightly contested first quarter. Belgium, as expected, dominated possession early and earned the first penalty corner in the fourth minute. However, Alexander Hendrickx’s drag-flick was brilliantly charged down by India’s first rusher Vivek Sagar Prasad, setting the tone for a resolute defensive display.
India responded with a penalty corner of their own soon after but were unable to capitalise. Belgium continued to probe, and in the 14th minute Tom Boon’s powerful drag-flick narrowly missed the target after another penalty corner opportunity. Despite Belgium’s territorial control, India remained compact at the back and looked dangerous on the counter, ensuring the opening quarter ended goalless.
The match gathered momentum in the second quarter. Belgium came close again in the 21st minute when Hendrickx tested Indian goalkeeper Pawan with a fierce effort, only to be denied by an acrobatic save. Moments later, Thomas Crols broke through the Indian defence, but Pawan rushed out decisively to make another crucial stop.
Belgium’s persistence finally paid off in the 23rd minute. A sharp interception high up the pitch allowed Thomas Crols to release Nelson Onana inside the circle. Onana finished calmly, giving Belgium a deserved lead.
India, however, showed character and composure. Six minutes later, they won a penalty corner following sustained pressure inside the Belgian circle. Amit Rohidas’ initial strike was blocked, but Shilanand Lakra reacted quickest to the rebound, slotting the ball into the net to bring the hosts level at 1–1. The equaliser injected renewed energy into the Indian side and the home crowd.
The third quarter turned into a battle of defensive resilience. Belgium continued to dictate possession but found India difficult to break down. Hendrickx was again denied from a penalty corner in the 38th minute, this time by Jarmnapreet Singh, who made a goal-line intervention to preserve parity. India had their moment in the 53rd minute. Nilakanta Sharma threaded a precise pass to Karthi Selvam on the counterattack, but the forward was closed down before he could unleash a shot. It proved to be a pivotal phase in the match.
Within seconds, Belgium transitioned swiftly down the left flank. Lucas Balthazar delivered a low cross from the baseline into the circle, where Thomas Crols positioned himself expertly to fire into the bottom right corner. The goal shifted the momentum decisively in Belgium’s favour.
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Just four minutes later, the visitors struck again. Crols turned provider this time, finding Arno Van Dessel in space inside the circle. Van Dessel guided the ball past the Indian defence to make it 3–1, effectively sealing the contest.
India attempted to respond in the closing stages, but Belgium’s structured defence and game management ensured there were no further breakthroughs. The European side’s clinical finishing in the final quarter ultimately proved the difference in an otherwise evenly matched contest.
For India, there were positives to draw despite the defeat particularly in their defensive organisation and counterattacking intent. Goalkeeper Pawan’s performance stood out, while the team showed resilience in absorbing sustained pressure from one of the world’s top-ranked sides.
Belgium, on the other hand, demonstrated their experience and composure in crucial moments. Their ability to convert chances in the decisive phase underlined why they remain one of the most consistent teams on the international circuit.
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India will look to regroup quickly as the Rourkela leg continues, with further matches against Belgium and Argentina scheduled over the coming days. With the passionate home support at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, the hosts will aim to bounce back and secure valuable points in their Pro League campaign.
All India matches in the Rourkela leg are being broadcast on Star Sports Khel and streamed on JioHotstar.
