Annu’s brace went in useless as India misplaced 2-3 to Belgium in a closely-contested Pool C match to stoop to their second consecutive defeat within the FIH Junior World Cup Santiago, Chile on Saturday. Annu (forty seventh, 51st minutes) struck twice in a span of 4 minutes from a penalty nook and a penalty stroke to attract stage after Belgium raced to a 2-0 lead by way of targets from Noa Schreurs (fifth) and France de Mot (forty second). But it was not India’s day as Astrid Bonami scored the winner from a penalty stroke within the 52nd minute.

It was one other heartbreaking loss for the Indians after they squandered a two-goal benefit to go down 3-4 to final version’s runners-up Germany on Thursday evening.

The Indians had, nonetheless, began their marketing campaign on a convincing notice, registering a 12-0 win over Canada.

India are at the moment positioned second in Pool C with three factors from three video games. Belgium are atop the pool with an all-win document from three matches.

Germany will play Canada within the final match of the pool later within the day.

India utilized a urgent recreation from the onset and secured an early penalty nook, however could not convert the possibilities into targets.

Belgium, nonetheless, not solely defended solidly to disclaim India an early benefit but in addition initiated counter-attacks. This technique paid off when Schreurs scored a exceptional subject objective, granting Belgium an early lead.

With the rating of their favour, Belgium intensified the assault by steadily penetrating the circle, limiting India’s probabilities of equalising within the opening quarter, which concluded with Belgium main 1-0.

Determined to show the tide, India adopted an aggressive strategy within the second quarter.

Nevertheless, Belgium’s steadfast protection thwarted India’s makes an attempt, preserving their 1-0 lead at halftime because the second quarter ended goalless.

Keen to keep up their lead, Belgium prioritised ball possession within the third quarter whereas constantly penetrating India’s circle.

Despite their efforts, a exceptional save by Khushboo denied Belgium from furthering their benefit.

However, Belgium ultimately broke by way of as De Mot skillfully transformed a penalty nook, doubling their lead. The penultimate quarter concluded 2-0 in favour of Belgium.

In the ultimate quarter, India began on the offensive, resulting in their first objective of the match by Annu from a penalty nook, narrowing the deficit.

Empowered by this breakthrough, India intensified their assaults, leading to a vital penalty stroke that Annu calmly transformed, levelling the scores.

But, moments later, Belgium have been additionally awarded a penalty stroke, which was slotted previous India’s goalkeeper by Bonami.

Hopeful of discovering the equaliser once more, India attacked relentlessly and tried laborious to breach Belgium’s protection however could not, in the end succumbing to the defeat.