WC: Belgium break Indian hearts in shootout as Harmanpreet’s side finishes eighth

India’s spirited fightback ended in heartbreak as Belgium prevailed in a tense penalty shootout after the two sides played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in regulation time. India had made the brighter start and took the lead through Abhishek, whose sixth-minute field goal gave the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Belgium responded with sustained pressure, earning multiple penalty corners, but India’s defence held firm.The match changed dramatically in the second quarter. Roman Duvekot restored parity for Belgium with a close-range finish before Hugo Labouchere put them ahead with a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner. Belgium went into half-time 2-1 up.India came out strongly after the break and levelled through captain Harmanpreet Singh, who converted a penalty corner with a superb drag-flick in the 31st minute.