India lose 2-3 to Belgium in Women's Junior Hockey World Cup

Annu's brace went in vain as India lost 2-3 to Belgium in a closely-contested Pool C match to slump to their second consecutive defeat in the FIH Junior World Cup here on Saturday.

Annu (47th, 51st minutes) struck twice in a span of four minutes from a penalty corner and a penalty stroke to draw level after Belgium raced to a 2-0 lead through goals from Noa Schreurs (5th) and France de Mot (42nd).

But it was not to be India's day as Astrid Bonami scored the winner from a penalty stroke in the 52nd minute.

It was another heartbreaking loss for the Indians after they squandered a two-goal advantage to go down 3-4 to last edition's runners-up Germany on Thursday night.

The Indians, however, started their campaign on a resounding note, registering a 12-0 win over Canada.

India are currently placed second in Pool C with three points from three games. Belgium are atop the pool with an all-win record from three matches.

Germany will play Canada in the last match of the pool later in the day.

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