Hockey World Cup 2018: India to take on Belgium today

Bhubaneswar: After a thumping win over South Africa in its first match, the confident team India is ready to take on Belgium in a Pool C match of the on-going Hockey World Cup at the Kalinga stadium here today.

Team India must be eyeing consecutive wins in the tournament by defeating the Belgium team which is one of the favourites for the world cup.

Hockey European power house, Belgium is currently ranked third in world hockey and the silver medallist of the Rio Olympics.

While both the teams would be eyeing the top spot in the pool to directly qualify for the quarter finals of the tournament, the Indian team is brimming with confidence after their first win against South Africa and likely to continue their attacking game today.

Besides, the Indian side would focus on goal conversion from penalty corners as it was not up to the mark against South Africa.

"Attacking hockey is a strong weapon of team India and it has been focusing on the same for the last 5-6 months; and the team will continue it," said Harinder Singh, Coach of the Indian hockey team.

Singh further said, “Though there are certain areas in the midfield the team has to look upon, the focus of the players should be playing attacking hockey and to score more goals.”

Meanwhile, the India-Belgium match is scheduled to begin at 7 PM today. In another match of the pool, Canada will face South Africa.

Earlier, India had thrashed South Africa by 5-0 goals in the opening game of their campaign on November 28 whereas Belgium defeated Canada by 2-1 goals.