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IANS
Breda (The Netherlands)
India squandered a perfect start, by conceding a late goal to draw with 2016 Rio Olympics silver medallists Belgium 1-1 in their penultimate league stage game of the Hockey Champions Trophy here on Thursday.
Harmanpreet Singh gave India an early lead with a low and powerful drive in the opening 10 minutes but the Harendra Singh-coached side failed to retain the lead as Belgium's Loick Luypaert managed to equalise it in the dying minutes of the match.
In other matches, Australia defeated the Netherlands 3-1 and Pakistan pulled off a big upset when they outclassed Olympic champions Argentina 4-1.
With the third win, Australia stayed atop the standings with 10 points from four matches. India are in the second spot with seven points from two wins and a draw in four games. The home team occupy the third spot, having six points from two wins in four matches. Argentina are fourth with three points.
India will next face hosts the Netherlands on Saturday to decide who advances to the final against Australia.
Standings
Champions Trophy standings
Rnk P W D L GF GA GA Pts
Australia 4 3 1 0 11 7 4 10
India 4 2 1 1 9 5 4 7
Holland 4 2 0 2 12 6 6 6
Argentina 4 1 1 2 5 8 -3 4
Pakistan 4 1 0 3 5 11 -6 3
Belgium 4 0 3 1 6 11 -5 3
