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It’s called hockey, but not like the sport we are used to in North America, but regardless it’s exciting, fast paced with intense play by everyone playing.

Now we are hearing that they would need to manage a win allowing them to jump to the top of the group, but the end result would be that neither side were successful in taking advantage despite both sides periodically holding a somewhat shortened lead.

In the 20 previous contests they (both sides) ended in draws, with Belgium winning 13 of the matches played.

When the side ranked third in the world went 1-0 up after just eight minutes it therefore looked like more of the same might be in order.

With an impressive crowd of 15,000 on hand it was Belgium’s Alexander Hendrickx that brought them to their feet giving them the lead on a penalty corner.

India had several chances but neither side could finish their chances and as the first half time came to an end the score still 1-0 for Belgium.

Team India had the crowd on their side and started the third quarter were able to manage a penalty flick when a goal from a penalty corner was blocked by a Belgian defender’s body on the line, and despite any pressure it was Harmanpreet Singh who found the bottom left corner getting them even at one.

A short two minutes into the fourth quarter the hosts were able to regain the lead, as Simranjeet Singh scored his third goal of the competition.

Had things stayed that way India would have taken a three point lead at the top of the group, with just one match to go, but Belgium brought on a extra outfield player for their keeper that saw the hard work pay off.

With time slowly coming to an end and a short four minutes remaining it was Simon Gougnard who collected the equalizer opening up the Indian defense.

Both sides currently sit on four points, but it’s India’s goal difference that has them on top of the pool.

Team India Head Coach Harendra Singh told the media “It is still wide open and with goal difference we are plus five and they are plus two, but it all comes down to that last game.”

Canada and South Africa also played to a 1-1 draw cancelling each other out and they will now see the rest battle South Africa who controlled the early stages but Canada’s “Man of the Match” was “tender” David Carter who played exceptional.

South Africa controlled the second quarter but it was a strong resistance from the Canadian squad was finally broken towards the end of the third when Nqobile Ntuli managed to round Carter sending one in the net.

Their lead was short lived as Scott Tupper (Canada’s Captain) put a penalty flick past substitute goalkeeper Gowan Jones.

In an attempt to regain the lead South Africa took their keeper off in the final stages for an outfield player, but unlike for Belgium, the extra man proved unable to seal a win.

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The excitement continues!!

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