Hockey World Cup 2018: Belgium vs South Africa - 3 Talking Points

South Africa began with an early opening goal
South Africa began with an early opening goal

#3 Belgium lose their way in the second half

Belgium v South Africa - FIH Men's Hockey World Cup
Belgium scored only once in the second half

After having scored four goals in the first half, the Belgians would have fancied their chances of scoring the same number in the second as well but failed to get their passes right in the striking circle.

The Belgians managed just one shot on goal in the third quarter off eight circle entries and failed to convert the three PCs which they earned.

Cedric Charlier was the only Belgian who got his name on the scoresheet in the final quarter in spite of the fact that McLeod's boys managed to fire seven shots on target with Gowan Jones doing well in the South African goal.

The inability of the Olympic silver-medalists to get their act right in the striking circle may cost them dear in the knockouts ahead and, sadly, there is no way that Belgium can make up for the loss of Emmanuel Stockbroekx and John-John Dohmen who has the experience of 366 international caps behind him.


Head to Sportskeeda to check out the schedule for the upcoming matches.

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