(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Belgium Secure Pro League Wins Over China and Spain
Belgium enjoyed a successful day in the FIH Hockey Pro League, with both the women’s and men’s teams recording impressive victories in Wavre.
Belgium Women 5-0 China
Belgium’s women delivered a dominant performance to defeat China 5-0, scoring four goals in the second half to seal a comfortable win.
The hosts opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Astrid Bonami after sustained pressure from a penalty corner. China’s goalkeeper Fang Haixuan made several outstanding saves before Bonami finally found the breakthrough.
Belgium continued to create opportunities throughout the first half but went into the break with a narrow 1-0 advantage.
The home side stepped up the tempo after halftime. Delphine Marien doubled the lead with a close-range finish before Bonami added another goal from a penalty corner. Lottie Englebert then made it 4-0 early in the final quarter, capitalizing on a turnover in midfield.
Belgium completed the scoring when Louise Dewaet set up Famke van Heek, who netted her first senior international goal to secure an emphatic 5-0 victory.
Lien Hillewaert was named Player of the Match and praised the team’s performance, highlighting the enjoyment of playing at home and the importance of continuing to develop throughout the Pro League campaign.
Belgium Men 3-1 Spain
Belgium’s men strengthened their position at the top of the Pro League standings with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Spain.
After a scoreless first half, the breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart. Tom Boon converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag flick to give Belgium the lead and register his 344th international goal.
Spain responded quickly through Marc Vizcaino, who scored from a rebound following the visitors’ first penalty corner of the match.
Belgium regained control late in the third quarter when Alex Hendrickx successfully converted another penalty corner. Thibeau Stockbroekx added a third goal early in the final period, taking advantage of a loose ball in the circle to secure the win.
Arthur de Sloover earned Player of the Match honors, praising his team’s determination and fighting spirit against a challenging Spanish side.
