Belgium’s women have reached the Olympic semi-finals for the first time in their history thanks to a hard fought 2-0 victory over Spain.
On a historic night for the Red Panthers, Delphine-Daphne Marien and Charlotte Englebert netted fourth quarter goals to seal a place in the final four. Belgium’s opponents in the semi-finals will be China, who defeated Australia earlier in the day. The other semi-final sees the Netherlands and Argentina go head to head, with the timings for the fixtures being confirmed later today.
“It's already amazing to be part of the Olympic team but to reach the quarter-finals, I can't describe the feeling”, said Belgium goal scorer Marien after the match. “We are so such like a really close group, and we know it's each other's strengths. The coach (Raoul Ehren) really sees it and he makes sure we are in the right place. I think that's why we are so good together.”
Looking ahead to the semi-final meeting against China, Marien said that despite beating them in the pool phase, Belgium would not make the mistake of underestimating them.
“They are really disciplined, they work so hard but we are going to do the same”, continued Marien. “Playing for the medals, everybody will be even more fired up. For sure we are going to be ready from the first whistle. And then hopefully, hopefully, hopefully we can make to the final.”
While it was disappointing end to Spain’s impressive Olympic campaign here in Paris, there was a milestone moment for Beatriz Perez, who became her country’s highest capped female hockey player on the occasion of her 267th appearance for the Red Sticks.
The hockey competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 take place from Saturday 27 July to Friday 9 August. Both the men’s and women’s competitions feature 12 teams, split into two pools of six ahead of quarter-finals, semi-finals and medal matches. For more information about the hockey competitions at Paris 2024, visit Olympics.Hockey.
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