Belgium men clinch HWL Round 3 crown; world champions Argentina hit winning ways in 1st women’s semis

FILE PHOTO: Belgium clinched the title after defeating Australia

Belgium men clinched the Hockey World League Round 3 crown after they put it across current world champions Australia 7-6 in a dramatic penalty shootout after both teams were tied 2-2 in regulation time.

The intense rivalry of the two teams can be gauged from the fact the deadlock could not be broken in the first five shots, following which sudden death had to be applied.

Earlier, the Kookaburras got a leg-up when Christian Ciriello fired home a penalty corner in the 21st minute. The Ric Charlesworth-coached side held on to the solitary goal lead at half-time.

Belgium levelled things in the 49th minute through Tom Boon.

The Red Lions had an extra spring in their strides after pulling off the equalizer and soon took the lead in the 59th minute through Sebastian Dockier.

Australia looked all set to finish second-best as Belgium thwarted all their efforts in the dying moments before Russell Ford produced a sensational final minute goal to take the contest into a shootout, where they faltered but not before a stupendous effort.

It may be worth recalling that Belgium had easily beaten Australia 3-1 in the league phase. In a recent warm-up game, Belgium had held Australia to a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, the second women’s Hockey World League semifinals have begun in London.

World champions Argentina lived up to their billing, winning their first two games but not before being given a run for their money.

The world number two side prevailed over 7th ranked China 3-2 in their second game after racking up a solitary goal win over 10th ranked USA in their tournament opener in Pool A. 17th ranked Italy surprised USA 2-1 after going down by the same margin to China in their first match.

Hosts and 4th ranked England played a 1-1 draw with 6th ranked Australia in Pool B after trouncing 11th ranked South Africa 4-1 in their tournament opener.

Australia launched their campaign on a robust note, hammering 15th ranked Spain 5-0 in their first game.

Spain were locked in a 2-2 draw with South Africa in their second league tie.

The action at the second women’s Hockey World League semifinals in London resumes on Tuesday after a rest day on Monday.