Rio 2016: Indian hockey team knocked out in quarter finals, loses 1-3 against Belgium

Striker Sebastian Dockeier struck twice in Belgium's 3-1 triumph over India on Sunday putting paid to the latter's hopes of making it to the men's hockey semi-finals at the Olympics after a long gap of 36 years.

India, who last won an Olympic medal -- a gold -- at the 1980 Moscow Games, faced an aggressive Belgium side that scored thrice after conceding a goal against the run of play in the 15th minute.

Akashdeep Singh deflected from a close angle but Belgium hit back as Dockier equalised in the 34th minute.

Dockier gave Belgium the lead in the 45th minute and Tom Boon scored a field goal in the 50th minute to make it 3-1 -- the scoreline that remained till the end.

Well done #India Wasnt your day #Hockey has improved past 3 yrs. Needs a strategic coach #HIL has taken away fear of Europeans #Rio2016

— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) August 14, 2016

It was a game that saw Belgium pressed higher from the push-back, pappering Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, who even though delivered a stunning show but it was not enough.

Both the teams went after each other aggressively and Belgium's quick and attacking play kept the Indians guarded.

However, the Belgian midfield, led by captain John-john Dohmen proved to be the difference and they kept marching ahead to the Indian circle.

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