FIH Pro League: Alexander Hendrickx Strikes Twice As Belgium Defeat India 3-2

Alexander Hendrickx struck a brace as Belgium notched up a thrilling 3-2 victory over India in the second match of the two-leg FIH Pro Hockey League tournament in Antwerp on Sunday. Hendrickx (49th, 59th) produced two goals in the fourth quarter to go with a 33rd minute goal from Nicolas de Kerpel as the Olympic champions fought back from a 0-1 deficit to get the better off India, a day after being stunned by the visitors 4-5 in a shootout. For India, Abhishek (25th) had put India ahead, while Mandeep Singh (60) scored another goal just moments before the hooter. With this win, world champions moved up to 2nd spot on the points table, while India were at the third.

India will now take on Netherlands next week.

Belgium controlled the game early on with better ball possession and also earned the first penalty corner when Sreejesh saved one with his foot but in the process ended up pushing the ball into one of the Indian defender's foot. However, Belgium squandered the opportunity.

India had a chance at the 5th minute when Jarmanpreet sent a cross from the right but Sukhjeet ended up sending it over the bar.

India enjoyed better possession during the final stages of the first quarter and Jugraj had created an opportunity with a long ball through the center but the visitors faltered with the finish as Belgium defence was up to the job.

Jarmanpreet earned a penalty corner five minutes into the second quarter but Harmanpreet's shot was saved by goalie V Vanasch superbly.

In the 25th minute, India produced the breakthrough with a superb field goal with Abhishek guiding the ball into the net after set up by Gurjant Singh, who superbly combined with Vivek Sagar Prasad inside the circle.

Belgium came back strong looking for an