World Cup Co-Hosts Belgium, Netherlands Impress With Convincing Wins

Co-hosts Belgium and the Netherlands had plenty to celebrate after their teams delivered convincing performances in the ongoing FIH Hockey World Cup.

Playing before packed crowds in Amsterdam and Wavre, Belgium’s women defeated New Zealand 5-2, while the Netherlands men overcame an early deficit to register a commanding 5-1 victory over New Zealand.

A day after India’s men opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales, the Indian women were unable to hold on to their advantage and settled for a 2-2 draw against continental rival China.

South Africa’s teams, meanwhile, endured a difficult start to their World Cup campaigns. The men suffered a 3-1 defeat against Spain, while the women were beaten 4-0 by England.

New Zealand also had a disappointing second day at the tournament, with both its men’s and women’s teams suffering defeats.

In the men’s competition, the Black Sticks made an impressive start and took a 1-0 lead against the Netherlands. However, the Dutch responded in the second quarter and went into the final quarter with a 2-1 advantage.

The hosts then took control of the contest, breaking through the New Zealand defense repeatedly in the fourth quarter to complete an emphatic 5-1 victory.

New Zealand’s women fared little better, falling 5-2 to co-host Belgium.

Asian teams other than India were still searching for their first victory. While India opened its women’s campaign with a draw against China, Japan was the other Asian team in action on the second day, facing Argentina in the men’s competition.

The 2018 Asian Games champions produced a determined performance and kept the Pan American champions scoreless for the opening 20 minutes before Lucas Toscani broke the deadlock for Argentina.

Japan created opportunities of its own, but Argentina remained composed defensively and protected its second-quarter lead before extending the advantage in the 54th minute through an opportunistic goal from Lucio Mendez.

Maico Casella then capitalized on a weak clearance by goalkeeper Yoshikawa Takashi to complete Argentina’s 3-0 victory.

All Results

Women: England beat South Africa 4-0; India drew with China 2-2; Belgium beat New Zealand 5-2.

Men: Australia beat Ireland 3-1; Spain beat South Africa 3-1; the Netherlands beat New Zealand 5-1; Argentina beat Japan 3-0.

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