Antwerp (Belgium): After losing a closely fought match against Belgium, India men team registered a thumping 4-0 victory over the USA in their second practice match. On the other hand, India Women Team narrowly lost to Italy by 1-2 in their second practice match ahead of the Fintro Hockey World League Semi-Final 2015, held in Antwerp in Belgium on Tuesday, 16th June 2015.

India Men Team earned a penalty corner in the 20th minute and defender Rupinder Pal converted it perfectly to take the early lead for his team. Midfielder Lalit Upadhyay extended the lead by 2-0 in the 49th minute when he sneaked into the opponent’s D and hit the ball into the net. In the 52nd minute, Indian players earned another penalty corner and drag-flicker Rupinder Pal once again converted it effectively into the third goal. After leading the match by 3-0, Indian team successfully earned another penalty corner in 60th minute and this time defender Jasjit Singh hit the ball toward the goal which was deflected by the American goal-keeper. Subsequently Yuvraj Walmiki, who was standing near the goal-post was quick enough to receive the rebound and convert it into a goal. At the final whistle, India won the match by 4-0 against USA.

FIH Rank # 26 USA, failed to earn a single penalty corner as they faced the tough defence of the Indian players. India will play their fourth and last practice match against FIH Rank # 5 Great Britain on Wednesday, 17th June 2015, at 09:30 pm IST.

After losing their first practice match against Japan, India Women Team lost to FIH Rank # 16 Italy by 1-2 in their last practice match on Tuesday. Italy scored their first goal through a penalty corner conversion and extended their lead by 2-0 through a field goal. India skipper Ritu Rani scored the lone goal for her team through a penalty corner conversion.

The Fintro Hockey World League Semi-Final is scheduled from 20th June – 5th July 2015. India Men Team will be seen clashing against France at 09:30 pm IST in their opening match of the tournament on 20 June 2015 while the Women Team will be seen taking on hosts Belgium on the same day at 07.30 pm IST. The matches will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.