World and European champions Belgium rode on a brace by Maxime Plennevaux to edge out hosts India 3-2 in the thrilling second of their double header at the FIH Pro League here at Kalinga Stadium today. With this win the Red Lions avenged the 1-2 defeat they suffered in the first match against the home team yesterday.

Belgium took the lead early in the second minute when Alexander Hendrickx converted a penalty corner. India fought back with vengeance as Vivek Sagar Prasad and Odisha star Amit Rohidas struck in quick succession with field goal and penalty corner respectively.

But Plennevaux took the match away from India with two field goals in the 17th and and 26th minutes. The second quarter was the most exciting part of the hard-fought match, producing four goals. Nicholas de Kerpel of Belgium pocketed the prize as Player of the Match.

The defeat was first for India in four matches and the new World No 4 side occupied second position in the table with eight points. On the other hand, Belgium stayed at the top with 14 points from six games. India will next meet defending champions Australia here on February 21 and 22.

RESULT: Belgium (Alexander Hendrickx 2-PC, Maxime Plennevaux 17-FG, 26-FG) beat India (Vivek Sagar Prasad 15-FG, Amit Rohidas 17-PC) 3-2. PoM: Nicholas de Kerpel (BEL).
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PHOTO: Belgium players celebrate after scoring a goal against India in Bhubaneswar on 9 February, 2020.