The Indian men’s hockey team during a practice session.
| Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM
Belgium may have finished second in Pool-D with six points, but its goal-scoring appetite has been anything but modest. Among all group runners-up, Belgium registered the best goal difference (+19), with New Zealand (seven points) being the only other second-placed team to qualify for the quarterfinals.
The Young Red Lions hammered Namibia 12–1, routed Egypt 10–0 while losing to Spain 0-2, underlining its status as one of the dangerous attacking sides in the tournament.
When Belgium meets two-time champion India at the SDAT–Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Friday — a repeat of the 2016 final, which Belgium lost — it will step in with confidence and, significantly, with nothing to lose.
India, meanwhile, will shoulder the weight of a billion expectations as the host, yet it also possesses the quality and depth to dictate terms. India dominated its Pool-B campaign with authority, scoring 29 goals.
The frontline has been in exceptional touch, with Arshdeep Singh, Dilraj Singh and Gurjot Singh leading from the front. The midfield, anchored by high-calibre performers such as Adrohit Ekka and Ankit Pal, has ensured a steady supply line, while captain Rohit has marshalled a defence that remains unbreached.
Belgium, however, has its own match-winners whom India must keep in check. Captain Lucas Balthazar, Maximilian Langer and penalty-corner specialist Benjamin Thiery are among the key threats capable of tilting the contest.
On taking on Belgium, India’s head coach P. R. Sreejesh said: “We are looking forward to a good contest. Belgium is a strong side and our campaign truly starts now. The big wins in the round-robin stage were needed to set the right momentum and shake off any nerves of a big tournament. I feel the players are ready for the challenge.”
On current form, India holds the edge, but Belgium’s scoring firepower ensures that the last-eight clash will be anything but predictable.
Published – December 04, 2025 07:15 pm IST
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