Great Britain to play hosts India in Hero World League quarter-final after Belgium draw
GREAT BRITAIN will play hosts India in a quarter-final clash tomorrow (Thursday) after being held 3-3 by Belgium in the Hero World League in Raipur.
Bobby Crutchley's squad took the lead three times only to be pegged back. They remain unbeaten though and finish top of their pool after wins against Canada and world champions Australia.
Wimbledon's Phil Roper opened the scoring in the seventh minute and his clubmate Ali Brogdon put away a second in the 28th with Surbiton's Alan Forsyth hitting home a backhand shot in the 40th minute for his 50th international goal.
Thomas Briels in the 13th, Tanguy Cosyns in the 38th responded while Tom Boon put away a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute.
GB assistant coach David Ralph said: “We played well in some periods of the game but we didn’t stick to our game plan in others and that made it hard to play at the levels we are capable of. We lost control of the game for longer than we would like and as a result that allowed Belgium to dominate.
"They are a very good side and you always have to fight to get anything from games against them but perhaps if our execution of skills and game plan had been better we would have had more control."
He added: "Alan Forsyth has great ability in the circle and that’s his real strength. That’s why he came into the squad and he took his goal really well.
"India are a tough side to play at any time. India in India is an even tougher prospect. The atmosphere and their fans make a big difference. It’ll be a great experience for some of our team and we’re relishing the prospect of playing them.”