Red Panthers reach EuroHockey semi-finals as group winners

Belgium’s women’s hockey team secured first place in Pool B at the European Championships in Mönchengladbach with a 5-0 win over Scotland on Wednesday.

Following earlier results (a victory against England and a draw with Spain), Belgium only needed a draw to progress to the semi-finals. 

Ambre Ballenghien scored twice in the first half, with Justine Rasir adding a third goal before the interval. In the second half, Stephanie Vanden Borre converted a penalty stroke and Astrid Bonami scored from a penalty corner. A Scottish goal was disallowed after video review.

The result means Belgium are expected to face Germany, likely runners-up in Pool A, in the semi-finals. This outcome also avoids a potential meeting with the Netherlands, the defending champions, at this stage. Spain finished second in Pool B and also advanced to the last four.

The Red Panthers, under new head coach Rein van Eijk, aim to reach the final and add to their previous European medals: silver in 2017 and 2023, and bronze in 2021. 

The Belgian men’s team did not qualify for the semi-finals and will compete for fifth place.

^{© BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}