Rourkela, February 11 India conceded two goals in the final quarter, resulting in a 1-3 defeat to Belgium in their FIH Men's Pro League 2025–26 match here on Wednesday.
Nelson Onana (23rd minute), Thomas Crols (53rd) and Arno Van Dessel (57th) scored for Belgium, while Shilanand Lakra (29th) scored for India.
The two teams were tied 1-1 at halftime and at the end of the third quarter, before Belgium scored two goals in the final 15 minutes.
The first quarter was highly competitive, with both teams making few mistakes at the back.
Belgium earned a penalty corner in the 4th minute. However, Alexander Hendrickx's drag-flick was heroically stopped by India's first rusher, Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Four minutes later, India also got their first penalty corner, but the home team couldn't capitalize on the opportunity.
While Belgium had more possession, India successfully defended and launched quick counter-attacks in search of goal-scoring opportunities.
In the 14th minute, Belgium won another penalty corner, but this time Tom Boon's powerful attempt narrowly missed the target, keeping the score level.
The second quarter saw an opening. Belgium were awarded a penalty corner in the 21st minute, but Indian goalkeeper Pawan made a brilliant acrobatic save to deny Alexander Hendrickx a goal.
Moments later, Belgium's Thomas Crols was through on goal, but Pawan stepped out and made another crucial save to protect his goal.
In the 23rd minute, Belgium scored the opening goal as they successfully intercepted the ball in a dangerous position, passing it to Onana, who easily scored.
India intensified their attack in the following minutes. In the 29th minute, the hosts won a penalty corner. Amit Rohidas's shot was initially stopped by the first rusher, but Shilanand Lakra quickly pounced on the ball and slotted it into the net to equalise.
Belgium continued to dictate possession in the third quarter. However, India successfully defended and maintained composure at the back.
In the 38th minute, Belgium won another penalty corner, but Alexander Hendrickx was denied again, this time by Jarmnapreet Singh, who showed great skill to save the ball on the goal line, keeping the score level.
In the 53rd minute, India launched a strong counter-attack as Nilakanta Sharma played a brilliant pass to Karthi Selvam, but the forward couldn't take a shot on goal in time and was stopped by the Belgian backline.
Moments later, Belgium launched an attack from the left flank as Lucas Balthazar played the perfect pass into the circle to Thomas Crols, who struck the ball into the bottom right corner to take the lead for the visitors.
In the 57th minute, it was Thomas Crols again who set up the ball for Arno Van Dessel, who successfully snuck the ball into the net, sealing the victory for Belgium.