Santiago, Nov 3:
India faced a 2-3 defeat against Belgium in their final Pool C match of the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup 2023 in Santiago, Chile on Saturday.
Annu (47’, 51’) scored a brace for the Indian junior women’s hockey team, while Noa Schreurs (5’), France De Mot (42’) and Astrid Bonami (52’) netted a goal each for Belgium.
The defeat makes India’s chances of making the quarterfinals bleak. The Indian team will now have to depend on Canada beating last edition’s runner-ups Germany to make the final eight of the ongoing FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup.
As per the current Pool C standings, India are second on the points table with three points from as many games and a better goal-difference than third-placed Germany, who have three points from two games.
India quickly established a passing rhythm, applying a pressing game to exert pressure on Belgium. Despite securing an early penalty corner, India couldn’t convert it into a goal. Belgium, however, not only defended solidly to deny India an early advantage but also initiated counter-attacks. This strategy paid off when Noa Schreurs scored a remarkable field goal, handing Belgium an early lead.
With the score in their favour, Belgium intensified their attacks and frequently penetrated the Indian circle. The opening quarter concluded with Belgium leading 1-0.
Determined to turn the tide, India adopted an aggressive stance in the second quarter and looked to maintain possession of the ball. Nevertheless, Belgium’s steadfast defenCe thwarted India’s attempts, preserving their 1-0 lead at half-time as the second quarter ended goalless.
Keen to maintain their lead, Belgium prioritised ball possession in the third quarter while consistently penetrating India’s circle. Despite their efforts, a remarkable save by Khushboo denied Belgium from furthering their advantage. However, Belgium eventually broke through as France De Mot skillfully converted a penalty corner, doubling their lead. The penultimate quarter concluded 2-0 in favour of Belgium.
In the final quarter, India launched a desperate offensive which led to their first goal of the match by Annu from a penalty corner, narrowing the deficit.
Encouraged by this breakthrough, India intensified their attacks, resulting in a crucial penalty stroke that Annu calmly converted, levelling the score. But, moments later, Belgium were also awarded a penalty stroke, which was slotted in by Astrid Bonami to put her side in front again.
Hopeful of finding the equaliser again, India attacked relentlessly and tried hard to breach Belgium’s defence but couldn’t.
