Belgium defeats Great Britain to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 12 years

The Belgian women defeated Great Britain 3-2 in the FIH qualifying semi-finals in Valencia, Spain, qualifying for the Olympics for the first time in 12 years.

Goals from Barbara Nehlen, Stéphanie Vanden Bohle and Justine Rasile confirmed their place in Paris 2024.

GB’s Olympic hopes are not over yet, with qualifications still remaining.

They will play Ireland in the third-place match on Saturday, with the winner qualifying for Paris.

Belgian women’s only previous Olympic hockey appearance was at the 2012 London Games.

“I’m very happy and proud of the way my team played,” said Nelen, the Most Valuable Player. “After 12 years, any delay is better than nothing.”

In the first quarter, Great Britain created their first chance when Lily Owsley won a penalty corner, but the team could not convert. Nehlen then scored after controlling a high ball inside the circle, and Belgium responded.

UK started the second quarter lively and it wasn’t long before Tessa Howard equalized for home. Belgium’s heroic defense just before halftime kept the score at 1-1.

Van den Bohle caused a controversy in the third quarter when he scored from a penalty corner, but the ball deflected off Alix Guerniers’ shoulder, prompting England to request a video review, which should not have been allowed. That means it wasn’t there.

However, officials did not see Guernier touch his shoulder in real time, and because the appeal for reconsideration was not immediately filed, they were unable to go back and check, and the goal stood.

Rashir then scored Belgium’s third goal with five minutes remaining, and although England had some hope alive with a late goal from Ellie Layer, they were unable to find an equalizer.

“I think we’re all very disappointed and frustrated with the way that game went. I’m happy with the overall performance,” said Great Britain’s Holly Pern-Webb. [there are] There are some things that need to be sorted out. ”

Elsewhere, Great Britain men defeated China 6-0 in their final group match to book a place in the semi-finals.

The team will face New Zealand on Saturday.