Hockey World Cup 2018, Belgium vs Canada: 3 reasons why Belgium won the match

Belgium and Canada ushered in the 14th edition of the FIH Hockey World Cup by playing out an enthralling match in front of a packed arena at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubhaneswar.

The third-ranked Belgium team initially flexed their muscles and appeared to be dominating the game. However, they lost their grip during the end of third quarter and the start of fourth quarter. Eventually, the Red Lions hung on to clinch a narrow 2-1 victory.

Felix Denayer opened the scoring for Belgium with a neat deflection in the early stages of the first quarter. Captain Thomas Briels doubled the lead by hammering a stunning goal in the second quarter. After reverting pressure on the Red Lions, Mark Pearson reaped the rewards and pulled one back for Canada. But the goal did not end up influencing the end result.

Here are three reasons why Belgium won the riveting encounter against Canada.

#3 Relentless attack right from the start

Felix Denayer's smart deflection opened the scoring for Belgium

Right from the moment when the match began, Belgium asserted their attacking will on the Canadian players.

Being the favourites for this clash, the Red Lions could have easily adopted a cautious approach in the starting minutes of the game. But they showed no signs of any big stage nerves and immediately put Canada under immense pressure.

As soon as they got possession, the Belgians pushed men forward and ran rings around the Canadian back line. Some of their passes were top-notch.

Arthur van Doren orchestrated the opening goal by piercing the defence with an astoundingly accurate pass.

Upon getting into an advantageous position, all Felix Denayer had to do was to deflect the ball into the back of the net. Belgium were 1-0 up in the third minute of the match.

#2 Thomas Briels leads from the front

Thomas Briels was at his attacking best during the first two quarters

With more than 300 caps, all eyes were on captain Thomas Briels. One of the major reasons behind Belgium's recent rise as a hockey force, the 31-year old did not take long to find his rhythm against the Canadian defence.

Briels could have had his first goal in the opening quarter itself. However, his eye-catching weave past the defenders was deemed illegal upon video referral. Before slotting the ball in, he was found to have used his back-stick and hence the 12th-minute goal was revoked.

However, Briels' energy was not to be withheld further. After stringing together a slew of tight passes, he finally broke through in the second quarter.

The seasoned forward received a canny pass and made room for himself in the cramped circle. The Canadian goal-keeper had no clue whatsoever to his fierce 22nd-minute strike.

#1 Vanasch and company hold their nerve

Vincent Vanasch was placed under substantial pressure

At the half-way mark, the scoreline read 2-0 in Belgium's favour. Contrary to expectations, the Canadians resurrected their game in the latter stages and challenged the Red Lions during the third and fourth quarters.

After surviving a few nervous moments at the end of the third quarter, Belgium started to show signs of wilting when the fourth quarter got underway. Goal-keeper Vincent Vanasch pulled off a stunning save to thwart a penalty corner. But Mark Pearson somehow found a way past the accomplished stalwart in a chaotic passage of play.

Having reduced the deficit to 1-2, Canada launched an all-out attack in order to apply pressure on the Belgian defence in the final quarter.

Although they pushed men forward and created quite a few meaningful chances, Vanasch rallied the Red Lions' back line and kept the incoming attackers at bay.

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Edited by Alan John