Belgium demonstrated they are currently one of the best hockey teams on the planet by thrashing Australia in a majestic performance at Paris 2024 Olympics as they finally renewed their rivalry against each other in a rematch of last year’s Tokyo 2020 final. The game-fondly remembered as one the high points of Paris Olympics Hockey schedule, Australia again on Paris Olympics Hockey Silent Tokyo was a testament to Belgium’s all-time supremacy in the sport and their quest for relentless pursuit of perfection.
The Build-Up
It was an exciting and very much anticipated match. With Australia looking to repay the 3-2 heartbreak in Tokyo or Belgium monitoring a four-match winning streak – fans and analysts were below deck at full steam. It was the stage for an epic showdown as both teams had been impressive in their earlier round-Australia again on Paris Olympics Hockey Silent Tokyo robin games.
Half-1: Belgium Showcases It’s Class
ZOOM TO:From the get go, Belgium looked sharp in terms of aggression and ball play. Their midfield, spearheaded by the evergreen Arthur Van Doren was controlling things and making it tough for Australia to gain any traction. It was Alexander Hendrickx once again, who gave Belgium the lead with a delightful drag flick from their well executed first PC of the match in 12th minute. Belgium finally made the attacking his second goal close to time before thriller Tom Boon scored at halftime for two goals, a follow-up 2-0 in an abhorrent Belgian omnipresence.
Half Two: Locking Down the Win
Although a refreshed Australia re-emerged in the second half — their best attempt coming through Blake Govers’ penalty corner which was blocked by Vincent Vanasch, Belgium’s talented goalkeeper,Australia again on Paris Olympics Hockey Silent Tokyo again proved immovable. Florent Van Aubel dashed any thoughts of an Australian fightback with his delightful solo effort that ended in a goal, making it 3-0 just one minute before half-time. The Belgians continued to enjoy more of the possession and chances, scoring a fourth goal thanks to some good interplay from goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch as Charlier added his name on the score-sheet. The final score of 4-0 displayed the gulf in class between Belgium and Costa Rica.
Key Performances
The match was a one-man show for Alexander Hendrickx – both with the stick and without it. He was a constant menace due to his ability of how he could move seamlessly between attack and defence. Boon and Van Aubel both showed signs of attacking fragility with some missed efforts against the Australian defense. Feick et al. also deserve praise for their job at the other end of the field, allowing Belgium to check one more box by keeping a clean sheet under goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch.readdirsync
Australia’s Struggles
It was a brutal dose of reality for Australia about how far they have to come in order to compete with the very best sides. Even as they threatened on occasion, an organized Belgium defence and relentless attacking display ensured Panama were woefully incapable of breaking them down. That, along with some crucial players missing through injury severely limited their efforts.
Looking Ahead
Belgium have sounded a loud warning to the competition with this commanding win, they are in Japan to retain their Olympic crown and no team is going stop them. It cements their gold-medal favoritism (if they weren’t already) and gives them the right boost of confidence as they prepare for Tuesday’s knockout stages. So it would be back to the drawing board for Australia. It is a match that when they come to take stock after the tournament – because, crucially, this Germany team will be around for at least one more World Cup – they may well point towards as the moment where their bad side caught up with them. There’s still certainly the talent and argument for potential, but actually turning that into wins against quality teams is yet to be realized.
Australia again on Paris Olympics Hockey Silent Tokyo
The Paris 2024 Olympics Hockey re-match between Belgium and Australia served up a classic encounter as the PHF set its sights high with more international events. Their total win of 4-0 was a hockey fans dream, displaying some exceptional size to their game outright from start to finish. With this type of performance, and if Belgium manage to keep it up as the tournament progresses, all eyes are on them for another Olympic gold.
