BREDA (Holland): Pakistan twice led Belgium but eventually lost 2-4 in their last match of the round robin stage of the Champions Trophy Hockey tournament here.
Belgium was missing their first choice goalkeeper Vincent Vanash. He had to rush home as his wife had gone into labour, said the information made available to APP by the Pakistan Hockey Federation here on Friday. The green shirts made a good start; seemed to be carrying on where they left off in the last match against Argentina.
They made incisive raids, had an open play chance and earned three penalty corners. Off the third PC, Aleem Bilal’s high flick found the right side of the net. In the second quarter, Belgium, silver medallist from the 2016 Olympics and currently World No. 3, was decidedly a better side.
They repeatedly entered the opponent’s circle and Pakistani net minder Imran Butt was called to make four saves. Belgium also earned three penalty corners but it ended 1-0 in Pakistan’s favor when the sides changed ends. The third quarter was the most fascinating with a fast pole to pole stuff.
Three goals were scored in as many minutes. In the 36th minute, a swift three men move to start from the Belgian half, culminating in skipper Thomas Briels beautifully side stepping Imran Butt before diving full length to slam the ball in. Very next minute, Aleem Bilal put his side ahead again with another penalty corner conversion, a carbon copy of his first goal.
