Bhubaneswar, Dec 6 (IANS): Thomas Briels' delightful third quarter goal helped Belgium snatch an opening day 2-1 victory over Pakistan to get their Hero Hockey Champions Trophy campaign up and running in strong fashion at the Kalinga Stadium here Saturday.
The Belgians had the half time lead when Tanguy Cosyns (12th minute) scrambled home at the right post after a left wing attack spun invitingly for him.
They had the guts of the play from there on, creating eight circle entries, but were unable to break through the Pakistan defences. Tom Boon did draw a top save from Imran Butt from a high corner two minutes before the break to keep the margin at the minimum.
Pakistan improved markedly in the second half and were back on terms when a penalty corner flick hit Loick Luypaert on the body. After an umpires consultation, a penalty stroke was awarded which team captain Muhammad Imran duly converted, wrong-footing Vincent Vanasch.
But Briels restored the lead in stunning style, finishing off with a delicate flip after Tom Boon eliminated a couple of defenders with some lovely stickwork in the 43rd minute and they held on in reasonable comfort to the lead for all the points on day one.
Commenting on their win, Belgium Captain John-John Dohmen said, “We are really happy with the result as Pakistan is a really good side. We did not play great but we did not play badly but we just need to play together a bit more in the next game.”
"Tomorrow (against Australia) will be a great game for us. Playing the world champions who I think are the best team here - even though they lost today. They might be a bit angry to win this game.”
Speaking on the team’s performance, Pakistan Coach Shahnaz Sheikh said, “I am very happy with the performance of the boys as after a long gap we played against an European team. It was an even game today and it was satisfying in the manner that we countered their game. We just lost it by one goal and this I think because of the inexperience on our side. We will come back strong in our next outing against England”.