Black Sticks lose to Belgium, play Malaysia
- editor59343
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Black Sticks men have been dealt to by World No 2 Belgium 5-1 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup to miss the final, but still be in contention for bronze.
Belgium controlled the opening quarter with authority dictating the tempo and possesion and generated the bulk of the circle entries and goal-scoring opportunities.
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Their pressure eventually told, finding the back of the net with a well-worked field goal to lead 1–0 after 15 minutes.
The second quarter continued in the same pattern, but this time Belgium were ruthless on the scoreboard.
Three clinical finishes stretched their lead to 4–0 by halftime, putting the Black Sticks’ gold medal hopes in real danger.
The best chance for New Zealand came from a turnover deep inside Belgium’s defensive 25, where Sam Lane pounced and unleashed a reverse-stick shot that flew just over the crossbar.
After the break, the Black Sticks responded with grit and determination. The third quarter was far more balanced, with both sides creating chances but neither able to convert. Despite the lift in intensity, the team entered the final period still trailing 4–0.
Belgium struck again in the fourth quarter, adding their fifth field goal of the match. Moments later, Dylan Thomas delivered a strong reply, finishing well to put his side on the scoreboard and reward their improved second-half effort.
The match finished 5–1 in Belgium’s favour, a result effectively decided in a dominant Belgian first half. The second half, ending 1–1, showed strong resilience from the Vantage Black Sticks, but the early damage proved too great to overturn.
Despite the loss, New Zealand remain in contention for a medal. They will face host nation Malaysia in the bronze medal match
