India are through to the semi-final of the Hockey World League after defeating Belgium 3-2 in the penalty shootout. The match had ended 3-3 and a penalty shootout was needed to separate the two side.
India displayed a much-improved performance compared to previous matches, losing twice and drawing one in the group stage. While Belgium, on the other hand, was on a roll, winning their three group stage match and had scored 11 goals in the run-up to the quarterfinal.
It was an unlikely win for India, mainly because the visitors had been brilliant in the tournament. The hosts needed to lift their game and commitment by several notches. They did just that.