The Indian women's hockey team dropped their hard-fought second game of the European phase of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023–24 to Belgium on Thursday, 0–2. Belgium's goals came from Louise Dewaet (36') and Alexia "T" Serstevens (34').
India had a strong start to the game and earned a penalty corner early on, but they were unable to take use of it. But they persisted in applying pressure, and although Belgium at first found it difficult to maintain possession and had to rely on counterattacks, India's defense held firm to prevent them from taking the lead. Additionally, toward the end of the first quarter, the host team won a penalty corner, but Savita, the Indian team's goalie, easily saved it. India, however, had numerous circle entries but failed to strike the back of the net, as the first quarter ended in a scoreless draw.
Belgium stepped up their pressure in the second quarter by attacking constantly and passing the ball well. Nevertheless, India handled the pressure well, controlling the pace and executing fast passes to keep possession and put Belgium's defense to the test multiple times. Both teams made an attempt to break the tie, but it ended in a 0-0 draw at the half.
Belgium took the lead in the third quarter thanks to their explosive start. Within two minutes, Alexia "T" Serstevens (34') and Louise Dewaet (36') each scored a field goal, giving the home team a 2-0 lead. India increased their game to try to win the game in the meantime, and they even managed to win a penalty corner toward the end of the penultimate quarter, but they were unable to capitalize on it.
India took aggressive shots and put Belgium's defense to the test early in the fourth quarter, but the hosts held onto their lead. India failed to strike the back of the net despite having possession and consistently entering the circle, and Belgium won 2-0.
