India beat Belgium 1-0 to enter the semi-finals of FIH Champions Trophy in Melbourne on Thursday. Nithin Thimmaiah gave India the early advantage after getting perfect feed from Sardar Singh for the easy 1-0 tap in.

Belgium forced six penalty corners against India’s one. It was because of a fine display by defenders VR Raghunath and Rupinder Pal Singh alongwith goalkeeper PT Rao who helped India to maintain their lead.

India are now in the haunt for their first medal since their lone Champions Trophy bronze in 1982. This will be India’s highest finish since 2004 when they had lost the bronze medal match to end fourth.

In the semifinals, India will take on four-time defending champions Australia on Saturday, who defeated England 2-0 to reach semi-finals.