India all set for a semi-final clash against Belgium today at the ongoing FINTRO World Hockey League Semi-Final 2015
Antwerp (Belgium), 02 July 2015: India, after beating Malaysia in the quarter final match on Wednesday will now meet Belgium in the semi-final clash during the FINTRO World Hockey League Semi-Final 2015. Post registering an exciting win against Malaysia yesterday which helped them book the all important semi-final, India will be looking at repeating a similar feat in today's clash against Belgium.
India met Belgium on three occasions in the year 2014 which started with Hero Hockey World League Finals held in New Delhi, wherein the latter beat the Indian team by 2-1. This was followed by the FIH World Cup wherein India lost to Belgium by 2-3 in their opening match of the tournament. The third time around though India turned the tables in their favour when they met Belgium in the quarter final clash during the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy where they won the match by a 4-2 margin. For the match today, India will be looking at yet again putting up a good fight and registering the match in their name, which will help them to advance to the Finals of the FINTRO World Hockey League Semi-Final 2015.
Speaking on today's clash, Captain Sardar Singh said “We are confident of the match today as the team is high in form. Yesterday what worked in our favour was our converting the penalty corners at crucial times. I am sure the two back to back goals by Jasjit would have given his confidence a boost and we are confident he will stand up to today's test again. Also the upcoming clash we have to beef up our defence chain as Belgium is known for sneaking in the goals and we will not want to give them easy access to our D”.
Speaking on the match against Belgium, Chief Coach, Paul van Ass said “Yesterday while we won the match we have to work on our defence. We have to score the initial goal and maintain the lead thereafter and now allow the game to get away from our hands at any point. Belgium is a tough team and we have to be completely alert with them today. I am happy that we are coming in line with our penalty corner conversions and we have to ensure that we continue this for today's match”
India will play the semi-final match against Belgium on 3rd July 2015 at 12.00 midnight (IST) in the FINTRO Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015. The matches will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.
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