Cheered by a jam-packed stadium of 15,000 home supporters, India took the lead when Akashdeep Singh scored in the 12th minute from the goal-mouth commotion, created after their first penalty cornener, taken by Harmanpreet Singh was saved. But India’s joy proved to be short-lived as Netherlands restored parity through a field goal by Thierry Brinkman, three minutes later.

India would have won the match comfortably had they not wasted three field-goal opportunities. Two beautiful hits from the right side of the semi-circle went out tantalizingly across the goalpost with not Indian player in right place to deflect the ball into the cage. On another occasion, Akashdeep fired high over the Dutch goal with a backhand strike.

On the other hand, a poor tackle from Chinglensana Kangujam outside the Indian circle resulted in a penalty corner and the Dutch made no mistake from the opportunity as Mink van der Weerden slammed a low effort into the net. India’s hopes of getting back into the match were reduced when Amit Rohidas was given a ten-minute yellow card suspension for a foul on Mirco Pruijser. Amidst the defeat, there was a bit of consolation for India as defender Surender Kumar was declared the Player of the Match.

The match between Pool D winners Germany (World Ranking: 6) and Belgium (WR: 3) was fascinating from start to finish with both teams showing attacking intent throughout. Germany were the first team to make a mark on the scoreboard a minute before the end of the first quarter through midfielder Dieter Linnekogel, who drilled a low, powerful shot through the legs of Vincent Vanasch.

The Red Lions pulled level three minutes into the second period with Alexander Hendrickx scoring his fifth goal of the competition with a perfectly executed penalty corner drag-flick.

The high-paced action continued throughout the third and fourth quarters, with the defensive lines of both teams excelling before Belgium made what proved to be the decisive breakthrough 10 minutes from the end. Shot-stopper Walter produced another fine save to deny Belgium captain Thomas Briels, but could do little about the follow-up with Tom Boon brilliantly spinning to slide the ball under the outstretched leg of the Germany goalkeeper.

RESULTS:

Dec 13 (Match No 32, QF-4): Netherlands (Thierry Brinkman 15-FG, Mink van der Weerden 50-PC) beat India (Akashdeep Singh 12-PC) 2-1. PoM: Surender Kumar (India).

Dec 13 (Match No 31, QF-3): Belgium (Alexander Hendrickx 18-PC, Tom Boon 50-FG) beat Germany (Dieter Linnekogel 14-FG) 2-1. PoM: Arthur van Doren (Belgium).
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TOP: Akashdeep Singh celebrates with teammate Chinglensana Kangujam after scoreing for India in their quarterfinal against Netherlands on December 13, 2018.
RIGHT: Players of Belgium take a selfie after their quarterfinal win against Germany on December 13, 2018.