Hockey World Cup | Dominant Belgium ends NZ’s hopes, advances to semifinals

Anubel, centre, gestures to teammates after scoring the second purpose for Belgium in a well-coordinated transfer.
| Picture Credit score: .Biswaranjan Rout

Belgium booked a semifinal spot in model, ending New Zealand’s desires of a maiden last-four World Cup look with a 2-0 win within the second quarter-final right here on Tuesday.

The defending champion stayed in management for a lot of the sport and, regardless of lacking fairly just a few pictures on the purpose, by no means seemed to be struggling. The margin, in reality, may have been a lot larger had Belgium not hit large as soon as too usually. On the different finish, New Zealand managed simply a few half-chances that by no means appeared harmful.

Belgium acquired its first shot within the 2nd minute itself however captain Felix Denayer couldn’t join in entrance of the purpose. Tom Boon hit a backhand large after a couple of minutes because the Belgian forwards appeared in a rush to attain however lacking their targets consequently. Boon lastly put his staff forward, flicking within the first PC within the eleventh minute.

Belgium doubled the lead instantly on resumption by a fantastically coordinated transfer that began with Nicolas de Kerpel placing Simon Gougnard by, who handed it again to Florent van Aubel with a single contact on the run from close to the backline and the latter deflecting it in. The Black Sticks tried to struggle again however the Belgians clearly had achieved their homework and learnt from India’s errors in opposition to the identical opponent two days again.

They didn’t permit New Zealand any area within the midfield, didn’t let up the strain at 2-0 up, saved their foot on the pedal all through, pressed laborious with possession and nipped any counterattacks early. On the again, the Belgian defence hardly allowed New Zealand entry into the circle, proscribing them to the 25-yard line earlier than launching counters. Their rivals, determined to get one again, saved furrowing by each the flanks in search of area to at the least create PCs however may solely handle one in the entire sport with the Belgian defenders at all times a step forward to intercept.

The second half was comparatively extra sedate however NZ barely acquired anyplace close to the Belgian purpose. All motion was restricted to its personal half and though no extra targets had been scored, it was Belgium all the way in which, who now takes on the winner of Netherlands and Korea, enjoying the final quarterfinal of the event on Wednesday night, within the semifinals.

Additionally enjoying on Wednesday will likely be a assured England, seeking to make its fourth straight semifinal look within the competitors, in opposition to two-time former champion Germany.

Wednesday’s quarterfinals: England vs Germany (4.30 pm), Netherlands vs Korea (7 pm).

The consequence: Belgium 2 (Tom Boon 11’, Florent van Aubel 16’) bt New Zealand 0.