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Red Lions hit South Korea against the canvas in the final phase of their World Cup opener | Hockey World Cup

Four years and a month after their first ever world title, the Belgians re-entered the Kalinga Stadium in India. They started their return in Bhubaneswar rather cautiously, the Koreans got off to a more enthusiastic start.

Not that they got into serious trouble. With 73 percent possession of the ball, they took control, but the Koreans defended stubbornly.

Cosyns missed the biggest opportunity. His deviation was no problem for the Korean goalie.

The Asian champions risked their lives on the penalty corners. The two of them walked out. It helped to let Luypaert miss on the stagnant stages.

Immediately after the break, penalty specialist Hendrickx demolished the Korean wall. He rammed a penalty corner hard against the board: 1-0.

The signal for the Koreans to come out of their shells. Vanasch had to parry balls, Wegnez made penalty corners harmless.

The 2-0 was therefore a relief for the Red Lions. With a sharp pass, Kina found Cosyns, who did score this time.

In the fourth quarter, the Koreans were tired. Van Aubel, Dockier and De Sloover expanded the score considerably.

The Belgians will play again on Tuesday. At 2.30 pm they will compete against number 4 in the world Germany.

With or without Arthur Van Doren? His back hurt again.

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Belgium played with: Vincent Vanasch – Arthur Van Doren, Arthur De Sloover, Gauthier Boccard, Alexander Hendrickx – Felix Denayer (captain), Victor Wegnez, Antoine Kina – Florent van Aubel, Sébastien Dockier, Tom Boon

riders: Loïck Luypaert, Simon Gougnard, Cédric Charlier, Tanguy Cosyns and Nicolas De Kerpel

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