Champions Challenge Hockey: India draw 3-3 to Belgium

India were left to blame themselves after a last gasp equalizer by Belgium stopped them from claiming a victory in the opening match of their Champions Challenge Hockey tournament in Johannesburg. Goals from Rupinder Pal Singh, Chingelnsana Singh and Vokkaliga Ragunath looked enough to give India a winning start but complacency got better of them as Xavier Rekinger smashed in a late equalizer to crush Indian hopes, ending the match 3-3.

The resilient Belgians were the ones to break the ice first in the 31st minute after Alexandre de Paeuq showed great instincts to sprung on the ball and score. Both sides that sprung to life and attempted to take control but the score remained until half time.

Indian coach Michael Nobbs must been outraged during the half time break as they came out firing on all cylinders in the second half. India were rewarded with an impending equalizer as Rupinder Pal Singh continued to justify his position as India’s unsung hero when it comes to penalty corner by forcing in his flick in the 45th minute.

Two minutes later, they took the lead after a defensive error from the Belgians allowed Chingelnsana to stroke in the ball last the Belgian goalkeeper David van Rysseberghe.

The Belgians struck back immediately through a penalty corner flick from Tom Boon in the 55th minute, but two minutes later, India showed great spirit to reclaim the lead through as Raghunath smashed in home with a powerful drag flick.

Call it lack of focus or complacency but India began to stutter as waves of pressure by the Belgians opened the Indian defense easily on a few occasions. However,they looked strong to claim their opening victory before Belgium crushed all Indian hopes by striking in on the last minute to draw he game.

On an overall note, the scoreline looks fair and justified but the Indians will be cursing themselves for softening up when it mattered the most.