Red Lions come from behind to secure opening win against England
20 August 2023
The Belgian men's hockey team won their opening game at the European Championships in Mönchengladbach, Germany, on Sunday with a 5-3 victory over England. The Red Lions struggled to find their stride and trailed 3-1 at half-time, but they turned the tables after the break.
Nicholas Bandurak gave England an early lead. William Ghislain equalised but Bandurak put England ahead for the second time with a penalty. Sam Ward's 30th-minute penalty made it 3-1 at half-time. The Lions came out of the break energised and Florent Van Aubel brought Belgium level with two quick goals. Well-taken penalty corners from Loïck Luypaert and Alexander Hendrickx put the game beyond doubt in the third quarter.
Shared lead
The Belgians now share top spot in Group A with Spain. Earlier on Sunday, the Spaniards crushed Austria 5-0. The Red Lions will play their second group match against Spain on Monday at 20.30.
The top two teams in each group qualify for the semi-finals, with the overall winner qualifying directly for next year's Olympic Games in Paris. Belgium are the reigning Olympic champions and were runners-up at the latest world championships.
(BRV)
England's David Goodfield and Belgium's Arnaud Van Dessel © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM
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