Silver medal in the Hockey World Cup
The Red Lions, who have had a string of successes over the past decade, narrowly lost to Germany and failed to regain the world championship they won four years earlier.
The final of the Hockey World Cup saw Belgium lose to Germany on Sunday at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, India. The Red Lions, who led 0-2 after the first quarter, eventually lost 3-3, 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out. The defending champions can still console themselves with a silver medal, their eighth in ten years.
Belgium started the game strong, scoring two quick goals thanks to the actions of Antoine Kina. However, Germany took over the game in the second quarter, scoring just before half-time.
The Germans equalised after the break and took the lead, leading 3-2 at the end of the fourth quarter. The Belgians were able to equalise at the end of the game thanks to a penalty converted by Tom Boon, sending the teams into a shoot-out.
Luck plays a significant role during a shoot-out, which is comparable to that seen in football. And although Florent van Aubel and Niklas Wellen scored their attempts, Thies Prinz who was able to give the final advantage to Germany by getting the better of goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch. The Red Lions have nothing to be ashamed of, but they did not have that extra bit of success they needed in the shoot-out, allowing Germany to claim the victory.
Despite this defeat in the World Cup final, Belgium can be proud of its achievements during the competition. The Red Lions showed their strength and determination, and can now prepare for the next competition with a wonderful silver medal.