HWL Finals: Belgium And Spain Register Contrasting Wins

Bhubaneswar: Belgium and Spain registered contrasting wins in their respective Pool A matches at the Hockey World League Final here on Tuesday. Belgium continued their excellent form in this tournament, thrashing Netherlands 3-0 while Spain rode on a couple of late goals to beat Argentina 2-1.

The result sees Belgium consolidate the top spot in the pool with nine points, having won all three of their matches. Spain meanwhile, held onto the second spot with six points from three matches. Argentina and Holland at the bottom with a single point each.

Belgium did not face too much of a challenge from the Dutch, who have been extremely lacklustre in this tournament. Loïck Luypaert (19th, 30th minutes) converted a couple of penalty corners in the second quarter to put Belgium in the driver's seat.

Tom Boon (32nd) scored off another penalty corner early in the third quarter to boost Belgium's tally. Earlier in the day, Matias Paredes gave Argentina the lead with a field goal in the 21st minute. The Spaniards however, staged a dramatic comeback in the final quarter with Pau Quemada (50th) and Josep Romeu (59th) helping them earn all three points.