India men finish eighth in Hockey World Cup after shootout loss to Belgium
India concluded their Hockey World Cup campaign in eighth place after a penalty shootout loss to Belgium. The match saw a spirited comeback from India, who drew 3-3 in regulation time, but ultimately fell short in the shootout.
The game began with India taking an early lead in the sixth minute through Abhishek, making the score 1-0. Belgium, however, responded with pressure, earning several penalty corners. Despite this, India‘s defence initially held strong.
The second quarter saw a shift in momentum. Roman Duvekot equalised for Belgium, followed by Hugo Labouchere putting them ahead with a drag-flick from a penalty corner. Belgium went into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.
Second Half Comeback and Shootout Drama
After the break, India‘s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, converted a penalty corner in the 31st minute, levelling the score at 2-2. Belgium challenged the goal, but the decision stood in India‘s favour. The third quarter remained competitive, with both teams creating opportunities, though Belgium maintained more possession.
Belgium regained the lead in the 47th minute when Nicolas de Kerpel scored a field goal, making it 3-2. This goal was also reviewed for a possible obstruction, but the original decision was upheld. During this period, Manpreet Singh sustained a facial injury and left the field for medical attention.
With time winding down, India opted to remove their goalkeeper for an extra outfield player. This strategic move paid off dramatically in the 60th minute when Harmanpreet Singh scored his second goal, bringing the score to 3-3 and forcing a penalty shootout.
The shootout started unfavourably for India. Harmanpreet‘s initial attempt was saved by Belgium‘s goalkeeper, Vincent Vanasch. Belgium converted their first attempt, and Vanasch subsequently saved Sukhjeet Singh‘s shot.
India eventually found their rhythm in the shootout. Shilanand Lakra scored India‘s first, and after Belgium restored their lead, Dilpreet Singh converted to tie the shootout at 2-2. Belgium then took the lead again through a penalty stroke, converted by Hendrickx, after Mohith was penalised for a foul on Van Dessel. Abhishek scored to keep India in contention, making it 3-3 in the shootout.
The decisive moment arrived when Duvekot scored for Belgium. India sought a referral to overturn the decision, but the call was upheld, securing Belgium‘s victory in the shootout and concluding India‘s tournament in eighth place.
Team Performance and Future Questions
The match against Belgium was marked by a significant injury to Manpreet Singh in the fourth quarter, who was hit near the eye by a mistimed shot. The incident led to a stoppage in play and medical attention for the player.
India‘s performance in the World Cup has been described in various ways. While their eighth-place finish aligns with their world ranking, some observations suggest a lack of defensive solidity and consistency. Over the last two Pro League campaigns in 2025 and 2026, the team conceded 77 goals in 32 games, indicating challenges in their defensive structure.
The team’s director at Hyderabad Toofans in the HIL, Siddharth Pandey, raised questions regarding the consistency of their performances against high-quality international opposition over the past year and a half. These questions are expected to be addressed by the leadership group and support staff in the coming weeks.
India‘s results at the World Cup included a 3-1 win against Wales, a 2-4 loss to England, a 5-3 victory over Pakistan, a 1-3 loss to the Netherlands, and a 3-5 loss to Argentina, culminating in the 3-3 draw and shootout loss to Belgium.
The team’s approach under Craig Fulton, who took over more than three years ago, aimed for control against elite opposition, a strategy that reportedly contributed to their bronze medal win at the 2024 Olympics. However, recent performances have highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, with the team facing four higher-ranked opponents in Belgium and the Netherlands during the tournament.
In the 240 minutes across those four games, India led for approximately 30 minutes, drawing one match and losing three. The match against Belgium on Friday saw India concede the third goal shortly after Manpreet Singh‘s injury, before Harmanpreet Singh‘s late equaliser forced the shootout.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Menon 