Olympic Qualifying Tournament: Red Panthers reach semi-finals after massive win over Ukraine
The Belgian women's hockey team secured a place in the semi-finals of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia on Tuesday, defeating Ukraine in their third and final group game.
The Red Panthers crushed the already eliminated Ukrainians 13-0. After a 0-0 draw with Ireland and a convincing 10-1 win over South Korea, Belgium only needed a draw to advance.
Belgium top Group A with seven points from their three games, ahead of Ireland, South Korea and Ukraine. Ireland and South Korea will meet later in the day to decide the other semi-final place. Ireland can still overtake Belgium in the standings, but they will need an impressive performance against the Koreans.
The semi-finals will see the group winners face the second-placed team from Group B, Great Britain. The runners-up will meet Spain, who won all their group matches. The two finalists and the winner of the third-place play-off will qualify for this summer's Olympics in Paris.
The Red Panthers failed to qualify for the 2016 and 2021 tournaments, losing both times on penalties. They finished 11th in their first and only Olympics appearance in 2012.
© BELGA PHOTO DAVID RAMIREZ RODRIGUEZ
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