Vivek Sagar Prasad-led India have made it to the semi-final of FIH Men’s Junior Hockey World Cup 2021 after a narrow 1-0 win over Belgium in the quarter-final. The only goal of the match was scored by Shardanand Tiwari when India converted their first penalty corner into a goal in the 21st minute. India will now face six-time champions Germany in the semi-final on December 3.
Belgium kept Indian defenders on their toes and the dugout anxious with their incessant attacks in the final few minutes of the match. In the 58th minute, the major danger was averted as goalkeeper Pawan pulled off a brilliant save off the penalty corner followed by another in the dying moments of the game.
Match statistics
After conceding a goal in the second quarter of the game, Belgium was on charge and made 23 circle penetrations compared to India's 16. The Belgians also had seven shots on target whereas India had only two. They had a slightly better possession as well at 54 percent.
Indian defense in control
Earlier, there was not a single penalty corner earned in the first quarter as both teams’ defenders kept the attackers at bay. In the 17th minute, India's Sunil was shown a green card. 10 minutes later, Belgium earned their first corner of the match but Indian colts did not let Belgians score the equaliser.
In the last quarter, Belgians were on the charge again as they earned their second penalty corner. They had their best chance to equalise as Yashdeep got a yellow card as well. However, the Indian defense held their nerves and did not let Belgian attackers find the back of the net.
