The opening quarter set a high tempo. Belgium’s early penalty corner was thwarted by Vivek Sagar Prasad’s block on Hendrickx’s drag-flick. India earned one shortly after but failed to capitalize. Throughout, Belgium controlled the ball, but India’s defense held firm amid rapid counters.

Onana’s goal came from Croons’ assist in a swift move. India hit back immediately via Lakra’s opportunistic finish on a penalty corner rebound. The second half saw Belgium ramp up pressure, with another Hendrickx effort cleared spectacularly by Harmanpreet Singh on the line.

India’s best chance post-interval was a fluid counter from Neelkanth Sharma to Kartik Selvam, but the forward’s shot was smothered. Belgium then pounced: Balthazar’s left-flank raid fed Croons for the go-ahead goal, and Van Desse sealed it with a simple finish. This result highlights Belgium’s championship pedigree, while India builds momentum for the season ahead.