The Belgian hockey women have won the Olympic qualifying tournament in Valencia. The final against Spain was not a real benchmark given the Belgian decompression, but in the final phase the Red Panthers were still up and over the Spanish women. An extra mental boost towards Paris.
The smiling faces during the Brabançonne more or less gave away what would be seen on the field. The pressure was off for the Red Panthers and the grease was also a bit of gazpacho.
Spain obviously showed more drive for their own people, although the Panthers should have extracted more from the penalty corners just before the end of the first quarter.
The Spanish dominance got a correct representation on the scoreboard just before the break: Sara Barrios’ eagle eye saw a gap between Aisling D’Hooghe and the post.
Even after halftime, the Panthers could not get a grip on the match and their Spanish colleagues. There were chances, but after Thursday’s dismissal it was clear that little more than prestige was at stake.
Just when everyone was lulled to sleep, the Panthers struck coldly in the end with 2 goals in 2 minutes. Louise Versavel received some Spanish cooperation, Charlotte Englebert illustrated her unadulterated class.
2-1, the Spanish upset was great. The symbolic victory undoubtedly provides an extra boost for the Panthers.
“This is a dream week, wonderful,” laughed national coach Raoul Ehren. “It was a difficult day. Our first two quarters were not good. There was not enough focus.”
“We were late everywhere and we tried to turn that around. In the last 20 minutes you saw how we want to play.”
“We are a top team and normally only top teams can do this, turn things around when necessary. This is further proof of how good we are.”
“Now the sky is the limit. We are going all-in. Everyone dreams of a medal and we will work hard for that. The plans are ready. We can still take steps, 100 percent.”
