Indian colts end 15 year old title drought, defeat Belgium to annex Junior World Cup title

Hosts India shall be looking to recreate magic with their sticks on the turf as they take on European powerhouse Belgium in the grand final of the Junior Hockey World Cup at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in Lucknow later on Sunday. 

The Indian colts would look to put to an end their 15 year old title drought as they had last made a successful attempt at lifting the coveted title way back in  2001. The Indian team has been in breathtaking form all through the tournament by producing some magical performances.

The Indians topped their group by scoring easy wins over England, Canada and South Africa. They edged past Spain (2-1) in the quarterfinals before beating pre tournament favorites Australia in a thrilling penalty shoot out in the semi-finals.

On the other hand, their opponents in the finals Belgium have surprised a few by making it to the title clash. Belgium like India had topped their group by securing three straight wins over Malaysia, Egypt and Netherlands.

Live Updates:  

# India wins! beat Belgium 2-1.

# Last minute goal by Belgium makes it 2-1

# Clock has expired but Belgium have a penalty corner. Indian coaching staff already celebrating even with the game not wrapped up.

# 53' SAVE! India goal keeper Vikas Dahiya makes himself big in goal to deny Belgium from scoring.

# Good show of defence by Indian boys, a possible goal saved with 20 minutes still to go in the match.

# And we missed it. A near penalty corner miss, a hard chance it was.

# Another penalty corner for India 

# Both teams neck to neck in terms of possession. India 53 per cent, Belgium 47 per cent 

# Play for second half begins. Indian colts continuing their aggressive approach.  

# And this marks the end of first half. India lead 2-0

# Penalty corner for Belgium with 4 minutes to go in the first half

# India are playing their third final while for Belgium it's there maiden appearance in the final

# Till now Belgium has only conceded only three goals before falling behind 0-2 in this match  

# India goes 2-0. A fantastic goal by Simranjeet in the 22nd minute of the first half. 

# India scores first goal, Gurjant Singh drags down the ball in the post.

# Another penalty corner for India in the 6th minute. Two penalty corners for Indian colts in the duration of three minutes.

# Penalty corner to India in 3rd minute. Noting comes up.

# Both teams are out in the middle. National Anthems being played.

# Belgium's playing XI: Van Doren, De Sloover, Wegnez, Kina, Simar, Poncelet, Rubens, Verheijen, Lambeau, Raes, Van Lierde

# India's Playing XI: Dahiya, Varun, Armaan, Mandeep, Tirkey, Parvinder, Sumit, Harmanpreet, Harjeet, Gurinder, Nilakanta