Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup : Belgium creates history, makes maiden entry to WC semis
Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup : Belgium creates history, makes maiden entry to WC semis
Belgium created history by making its maiden entry into last four round of the World Cup. In the third quarter finals played at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, Olympic Silver medalist Belgium edged out Germany 2-1. It was third consecutive win for Belgium against its European opponents in last three encounters.
Arthur van Doren of Belgium was declared man of the match.
The Germany-Belgium game was more of a war of tactics as both teams not only exhibited precise hockey but also held a demonstration of ideal text book game. Both teams matched other in man to man marking, effective and accurate passes, interceptions, and also in using gaps to create openings.
Belgium had slight advantage in the first half as it forced five penalty corners. Germany took the lead through a brilliant field goal by Linnekogel Dieter in the 14thminute. Belgium immediately launched a counter attack and forced three penalty corners in succession. However, German defence held its fort.
As the teams broke for first break at the end of first quarter, Germany was in front by a goal.
Three minutes into the second half, Belgium scored the equalizer. From the fourth penalty corner, its ace striker Alexander Hendrickx found the target with a powerful low flick for his fifth goal of the tournament.
In the first half Belgium earned six penalty corners against none by Germany.
In the second half Belgium got two more. Unfortunately for Germany, the only penalty corner award it earned late in the second half was reversed by the Video Referee.
Intriguingly after drawing the first blood in the 14th minute, Germany never got a good chance to have a closer look at Belgian goal. So determined were Belgian players that they fought gamely and never allowed Germany to dominate. Though the game was evenly contested but scoring a goal from penalty corner and denying Germany a penalty corner was a crucial factor.
Man of the match: Arthur van Doren - PTC News
