Hosts Netherlands stunned Olympic silver medallists Belgium with a 6-1 win on the second day of the Hockey Champions Trophy in Breda on Sunday.
Pakistan, after the 0-4 defeat to India, suffered their second straight loss, going down 1-2 to defending champions Australia.
Beglium, one of the favourites to win the tournament, had drawn 3-3 against Australia on the opening day. And, the Netherlands had lost 1-2 to Argentina. So, Belgium were tipped to beat the Dutch in the sides’ second match.
But Seve van Ass scored on the fourth minute to put the hosts ahead. Then, Roel Bovendeert scored twice (off a field goal and a penalty corner) within the first quarter to take the Belgian side by surprise.
The break didn’t do much to help the Belgian side recuperate and stop the flow of goals. Netherlands struck twice again in the next quarter to take the match further away from Belgium.
The half-time break allowed a breather for Belgium and they tightened their defence. Eleven minutes into the third quarter, John-John Dohmen converted a penalty corner to offer some respite for Belgium.
But Jeroen Hertzberger scored again for Netherlands two minutes before full time to complete the 6-1 demolition.
Pakistan, too, took an early lead against Australia when Ajaz Ahmad scored the team’s first goal of the tournament. But Trent Mitton equalised for the Australians within four minutes. Pakistan did well to fend off the Australian attacks. Four minutes before full time, however, Blake Govers struck the winner for the Hockeyroos.
India are now top of the table on goal difference ahead of Australia after their brilliant 2-1 win against Olympic champions Argentina.
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