Emma Puvrez is one of a number of experienced players within the Belgium team and, despite having more than 130 caps to her name, the midfielder is excited for what the future holds for the Red Panthers as they get ready for their final set of FIH Hockey Pro League matches and the forthcoming EuroHockey Championships.
Unlike their FIH Hockey Pro League opponents, the USA, the Belgium squad has been able to get some competitive hockey action under their belts, albeit with their club sides rather than as a national team unit.
“It has been a difficult time but we were lucky because we have been playing club hockey,” says Puvrez. “For the national team, we have been able to train for the whole year, but it is great to get back into the rhythm of playing games again.”
Puvrez will be lining up for Belgium in their forthcoming two matches against the USA as they seek to maximise their points tally in their last few FIH Hockey Pro League matches of this campaign.
With further FIH Hockey Pro League matches against Argentina and the Netherlands on the horizon, Puvrez says these are invaluable opportunities to test a new squad, under a new coaching staff – led by Raoul Ehren – ahead of the EuroHockey Championships.
“We have played a few games in the year against Spain and Germany but aside from that we have really been doing inter-squad training. The Head Coach has used many ways to keep things fresh and exciting. It has all been very positive.
“Because of the games we played, we have already picked up the game rhythm and the newer members of the squad have picked things up quickly. Of course, in these matches we want to win, but the most important thing will be to technically improve. With a new coach, this will be the first real competition we will play with him.”
The Belgium squad facing the USA has a number of multi-capped players such as Puvrez, Judith Vandermeiren, Barbara Nelen and Stephanie Vanden Borre. These veterans of the team will be playing alongside newcomers such as Anne-Sophie Vanden-Borre, Justin Rasir and Anne-Sophie Roels – who all have less than five caps to their name. This makes for an exciting few months as the new players bring their own talents and skills to the squad.
“They have a lot of training experience but now they can put that into game play,” says Puvrez. “We need to find a really good balance but they will bring a lot of excitement to the play. They are willing to really go for it.”
When it comes to the USA, Puvrez is expecting a physical challenge. “It will be a really good game for us as we are a physical side too. We are at similar stages but it is also important for us to compare with others to see where we are.
“Our DNA is to play fast and quick hockey. We like to counter attack that is a big part of our game. Our midfield are very eager to score but also we have a coach who focuses on defence, so we will be defending hard and looking to counter-attack.”
Belgium host USA in the FIH Hockey Pro League on 15 and 16 May at the Sportcentrum Wilrijkse Plein, in Antwerp.
Watch the full video interview here
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