Jo 2024 – Hockey: Magician Florent Van Aubel fires five-star shot to put Belgians ahead (2-1 LIVE)

Defending their title from Tokyo 2021 therefore requires a mandatory victory against an opponent that is usually within their grasp. If they succeed, the Belgians will be in an excellent position to reach the quarter-finals.

In the first five minutes of the match, the Belgians had already created a great chance through Tom Boon. In the eighth, Antoine Kenna caused a computer glitch. And only Alexander Hendriks could convert (1-0). The Belgians recovered many balls at several levels of the pitch and did not give the New Zealanders any rest. The first quarter was smooth.

From the start of the second quarter, the New Zealanders created their first real chance. Vincent Vanash was on show after a nice single from Phillips. Moments later, Finch was on show again with a good outing against a New Zealander. Despite the perfect start to the match, the Lions' second quarter was more chaotic.

National coach Michel's words certainly got the Lions back on track. After returning from the locker room, the Belgians created a double chance through Van Aubel and Charlier. The Red Lions then found their second computer in the game, as Alexander Hendrickx faced Dixon.

With four minutes to go in the third quarter, the New Zealanders secured their first win of the game. A second save in the process was saved by the inevitable Vannasch. The New Zealanders appealed to the video, believing that Wegnez had come off too early in the penalty phase. But the video proved the Belgians right, the New Zealanders lost the video and seconds later the Lions' rivals were back to level after a good deflection.

Moments later, the wizard Florent Van Aubel fired a stunning five-pointer to put the Belgians back in control. Soon after, the New Zealanders created a team again, but it was poorly executed. In a two-sided third quarter, the Red Lions played well, but the next 15 minutes would prove decisive.

In the final quarter, Van Aubel continued to hurt the Kiwis with a PC. HEndrickx took charge of pulling the PC, but Dixon had the final say. The heat of the match continued as a minute later the Kiwis would also get a PC. With six minutes to go, Vincent Vanasche made another save.

Watch the Red Lions vs New Zealand match live :