Hockey World Cup 2018: 3 reasons why India drew against Belgium

Before the tournament began, India versus Belgium was billed as the most important match of Pool C in the 2018 Hockey World Cup. Living up to those expectations, both teams played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

In front of a packed arena, the riveting encounter saw some exhilarating and fast-paced hockey. Belgium began strongly and earned an early goal through a pinpoint penalty corner from Alexander Hendrickx.

At the half-way mark, India appeared to be under pressure as their strikers had missed quite a few opportunities. However, the hosts got their act together in the third quarter and started to retain more possession. Varun Kumar's penalty-corner earned a penalty-stroke and Harmanpreet Singh duly leveled the scoring.

Kothajit's deft pass and Simranjeet Singh's clinical finishing helped India take a 2-1 lead at the beginning of the final quarter. But Simon Gougnard took advantage of some chaotic defending and scored a late equaliser for Belgium.

Considering the Red Lions' higher ranking and their very own superior goal difference in the tournament thus far, the Men in Blue should emerge as the happier team from the stalemate. Here are three reasons why India drew 2-2 against Belgium.

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#3 Tranquil Varun Kumar rises to the occasion

Varun Kumar was the standout player in the match

Having been a key part of India's triumphant campaign in the 2016 Junior Hockey World Cup, a lot was expected from Varun Kumar against a well-oiled unit like Belgium.

Preferred over much more experienced defenders, the 23-year old vindicated coach Harendra Singh's bold decision.

Right from the start of the game when Belgium looked in an ominous mood, Varun appeared unruffled at the back-line. Showing remarkable composure, he predicted the attackers' moves and dealt with advancing threats in an admirable manner.

With Harmanpreet Singh off the field for a brief while, the onus fell on Varun to make something happen from a penalty-corner in the third quarter. He extracted a rare penalty stroke with his rapid shot at goal.

Although Harmanpreet got in on the scoring sheet at the 39th minute, the first goal was very much a product of Varun's perseverance. He was deservedly rewarded with the Player of the Match award.

#2 Renewed intent helps India force the pace in last two quarters

Simranjeet Singh's sterling deflection propelled India to a 2-1 lead

The first two quarters saw India create scoring chances on a regular basis. However, the inexperience of Mandeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh allowed the Belgian defence to hold on to their 1-0 lead at the end of the first half.

When the third quarter began, India stepped into the arena with a renewed sense of aggression.

Their passes became more coherent and the mid-fielders looked to revert pressure on the Red Lions by controlling the pace.

Following Harmanpreet's equaliser, a buoyant India applied enormous pressure on the Belgium defenders.

They pushed more men forward in order to keep the Red Lions on the back foot. Their sustained possession paid rich dividends when Simranjeet Singh scored from close range.

As a result of bringing more men into the opposition half, India found an opening in the 47th minute.

Kothajit weaved past the Belgian defence in a passage of astounding stick-work along the base-line. His precise pass found the low stick of Simranjeet who in turn deflected the ball into the back of the net.

#1 Brave Belgium pounce on nervy last-gasp defending

Belgium snared the equaliser due to their aggressive approach in the last few minutes

With five minutes remaining in the match, Belgium decided to pull out goal-keeper Vincent Vanasch in favour of an extra outfield player.

Considering that they were trailing by just one goal, their move was quite remarkable and bold in many aspects.

While their overall style, as well as pace of hockey, has leaped upwards to rival the top teams, their inability to close out games continues to pose a conundrum for India.

As has been observed on quite a few occasions in the recent past, the Men in Blue found themselves under heightened pressure in the last few minutes.

Belgium capitalised on India's nervy defending by going all-in. The Red Lions brought more bodies forward in a bid to challenge the hosts' back-line.

In the 56th minute, they created chaos by stringing dangerous passes in the inner circle. Simon Gougnard pounced on open space to unleash the equalising goal.

While India take on Canada, Belgium lock horns with South Africa in the last round of matches in Pool C.

Possessing a plus-four goal-difference over the second-placed Red Lions, the Men in Blue will have a golden opportunity to book a direct berth in the quarterfinals.

Head to Sportskeeda to check out the Hockey World Cup schedule for the upcoming matches