FIH Pro League 2024–25: Belgium Crush India with Five-Goal Blitz in Antwerp
The Indian women’s hockey team faced a bruising 5-1 defeat at the hands of hosts Belgium in their opening match of the FIH Pro League’s European leg on Friday evening. What began as a promising performance quickly unravelled into a lesson in set-piece ruthlessness, as Belgium turned the tide with five unanswered goals in the second half.
Deepika’s Early Spark
India took the lead in the sixth minute through Deepika, who converted a well-executed penalty corner with a sharp low flick that slid between the Belgian goalkeeper’s legs. The goal showcased India’s early intent, pressing forward with energy and composure. The opening quarter ended 1-0 in India’s favour, and they looked well in control at halftime.
Belgian Storm Hits After Break
However, the second half saw a complete reversal of fortunes. Belgium stormed back with a relentless display of structured attack and lethal finishing. It all began with Hélène Brasseur equalising in the 37th minute off a penalty stroke. That opened the floodgates.
Lucie Breyne made it 2-1 just minutes later with a drag-flick from a penalty corner, and India’s defence started to crumble. Brasseur struck again in the 55th minute, while Ambre Ballenghien and Charlotte Englebert added two more goals late in the final quarter, turning the match into a rout.
India’s Defensive Collapse
The major concern for India was their inability to handle Belgium’s penalty corner battery. Four of the five goals conceded came from set-pieces, exposing a critical vulnerability in India’s defensive organisation. The midfield lost its grip as the game wore on, and the defenders struggled to close down the space Belgium exploited repeatedly.
India also failed to convert a second penalty corner of their own in the third quarter — a missed opportunity that could have kept the match competitive.
Fifth Consecutive Loss for India
This result marks India’s fifth straight defeat in the Pro League, following earlier losses to Argentina and Australia. The defeat will sting, not just because of the scoreline, but because of how quickly momentum slipped from their grasp after a solid first half.
Rematch Ahead
India will have a chance to regroup and respond when they face Belgium again on Sunday. The team’s immediate challenge is to tighten its penalty corner defence and bring more discipline to its structure, particularly in the latter stages of the game.
Coach Janneke Schopman will be under pressure to inspire a turnaround — not just in results, but in confidence and rhythm. A strong response is needed to avoid finishing the European leg empty-handed.
The next game isn’t just about points. It’s about pride, composure, and proving that this team can learn and bounce back.
