The Red Panthers, despite an average first act, largely win against the United States | Hockey

In constant progress since the takeover of Dutch coach Raoul Ehren in early 2021, the Panthers, now sixth in the world and guaranteed to finish in 4th place in the standings, played without France De Mot and Barbara Nelen, not entirely physically fit to challenge the 15th nation in the world.

Despite a few minutes of hesitation and several penalty corners conceded, eight in the first half alone, Belgium stumbled on American goalkeeper Kelsey Bing for a long time before opening the scoring. Louise Versavel unblocked the situation, shortly before the break, with a superb backhand shot in the top corner (0-1, 28th).

Dissatisfied with the performance of his troops in the first act, insisting on the lack of quality in the basic gestures and a lack of energy, the coach saw his phalanx take shelter on a pc perfectly transformed by Versavel (0 -2, 37th), which is the 35th international goal in 212 matches with the Red Panthers.

Showing a very conquering face in the second half, Belgium scored twice in the same minute. First thanks to a tip-in from Abi Raye (0-3, 47th), then on a new pc, this time transformed by Stephanie Vanden Borre (0-4, 47th). Raye, reservist for the World Cup, scored twice on a pc rebound (0-5, 55th) to give the score its final look.

These meetings against the Americans were originally scheduled to be held in May in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, but were postponed to June and moved to the Netherlands.

Belgium, regardless of the result of the second match against the Americans on Sunday (11 a.m.), still in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, will finish 4th, behind Argentina, winner ahead of the Netherlands and India. This is his best result after taking 5th and 7th places in the first editions.

The Red Panthers will then take the direction of Catalonia and Terrassa, where they will play the World Cup. In Group D, the Belgians will face South Africa (3/7), Australia (5/7) and Japan (6/7).