India eye Belgium scalp for semis spot
11 Dec 2014 12:00 AM GMT
Their morale lifted by a stunning win over Holland, India would now eye a semifinal berth when they take on Belgium in the quarterfinal of the Champions Trophy on Thursday.
India did not have the best of starts in the elite eight-nation tournament as they slumped to 0-1 and 2-4 defeats against Olympic champions Germany and World Cup bronze-medallist Argentina respectively in their first two Pool B matches. After losing to a late goal against the Germans in their tournament opener, India squandered the lead twice to slump to a 2-4 defeat against Argentina.
Their morale definitely took a beating after two defeats and just when they were being counted out, the Sardar Singh-led side produced an inspiring performance to shock the Netherlands 3-2 in their final league match and finish third in Pool B ahead of the mighty Germans.
After the splendid show against the Netherlands on Tuesday, India will definitely fancy their chances against the fourth-ranked Belgium. But it would be easier said than done as Belgium and England looked like the teams to beat in the tournament so far.
India did not have the best of starts in the elite eight-nation tournament as they slumped to 0-1 and 2-4 defeats against Olympic champions Germany and World Cup bronze-medallist Argentina respectively in their first two Pool B matches. After losing to a late goal against the Germans in their tournament opener, India squandered the lead twice to slump to a 2-4 defeat against Argentina.
Their morale definitely took a beating after two defeats and just when they were being counted out, the Sardar Singh-led side produced an inspiring performance to shock the Netherlands 3-2 in their final league match and finish third in Pool B ahead of the mighty Germans.
After the splendid show against the Netherlands on Tuesday, India will definitely fancy their chances against the fourth-ranked Belgium. But it would be easier said than done as Belgium and England looked like the teams to beat in the tournament so far.
Next Story
