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

#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.