With Belgium and the Netherlands, the two best hockey teams in the world competed for a place in the European Championship final. In 2017, the Netherlands had blocked the way for the Belgians to European Championship gold and in 2021 the Orange was too strong in the semi-finals. The Belgians now sought revenge.
After barely one minute, the Lions were able to deal a first blow to their Dutch nemesis. A clever attack went via Charlier to Denayer, who neatly deflected the ball into goal.
The Orange could threaten via Telgenkamp immediately after the Belgian goal, but it also had its only real chance of the first half. A youthful Netherlands searched, but found no gaps in the Belgian organization.
The Lions controlled and were the most dangerous team themselves. Hendrickx was allowed to load his gun for a penalty corner three times, but every time a Dutch stick was in the way.
The Belgians could enter the second half with confidence, but soon got a double blow to the ears. A blunder from Wegnez put De Geus alone on his way to the equalizer and a few minutes later Brinkman was able to give the Lions another pear after indecisive defending by the Belgians: 1-2.
That stewed pear did not lie on the stomach of the Belgians for long. De Kerpel pulled the ball hard in front of goal, where it rolled over the back line via a Dutch stick. A portion of luck that gives the Belgians confidence.
But just when the Belgians seemed to have it back in their hands, the light went out again at the back at the Lions. Mainstay Hendrickx clumsily missed the ball, Telgenkamp blasted the Netherlands to the final: 2-3.
A sour defeat for the Lions, who had gone to Germany for gold. Tomorrow the Red Panthers will have a chance to donate gold to our country, but they will also have to deal with the Netherlands.
2023-08-25 18:24:43
#Givers #break #Red #Lions #sour #Netherlands #Belgium #European #Championship #final #hockey
