Narrow win for India Hockey

In a fleeting moment of brilliance, Rajpal Singh executed a blinder of a shot — outstanding it was both for its anticipation and deception. The backhander tilted the scales in favour of India in the third Test match against Belgium at the SDAT-Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Monday.

Making the defender look like a kid lost in a park, Rajpal took possession of the ball and turned it around to unleash a reverse flick. The pivotal goal that emerged four minutes before the hooter enabled India edge out the visitor 3-2 and take a 2-0 lead in the five-match series.

Gritty display


Certainly, it can be argued that Belgium put up a gritty display. Its defence was above board; man-to-man marking made sense. Especially, its interceptions and clearance hardly gave room for India’s skilful forwards an opportunity or breathing space.

Nevertheless, the usual zip associated with the forwards was all evident even early in the first session. Shivender Singh, Gurbaj Singh and Rajpal created the buzz in the forwardline with their speed and dribbles. However, it did look at certain times that the players spent too much time with the ball.

Five minutes into the first half, Charles Vandeweghe took the host by surprise by neatly deflecting a cross from Patrice Houssein, whose work in the midfield was praiseworthy. His passes helped set up quite a few interesting possibilities.