FIH Pro League: Tom Boon’s Hat-Trick Leads Belgian Men to Triumph Over Germany
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Amsterdam (Netherlands), Dec 9 (NationPress) Striker and penalty corner specialist Tom Boon netted an impressive hat-trick as Belgium triumphed over Olympic silver medallists Germany with a score of 6-3, marking the conclusion of the initial phase of the new FIH Hockey Pro League season here on Monday. The Red Lions exhibited a commanding performance in the second half to finish this stage atop the standings with eight points.
Belgium extinguished Germany's hopes with a brilliant spell in the fourth quarter, clinching a decisive 6-3 victory, as reported on the FIH website.
The match began tightly contested, with both teams vying for control in the first quarter. Belgium took the lead early, scoring in the fifth minute following a quick free hit that deflected off a German stick, setting William Ghislain up for the opener right in front of the goal. Both teams had a few entries into the circle before Tom Boon extended Belgium's advantage with a powerful field goal in the 15th minute.
Germany responded in the second quarter, pulling one back in the 18th minute when Thies Prinz delivered an exquisite pass to Raphael Hartkopf, who skillfully chipped the ball into the net from close range. Joshua Onyekwue Nnaji, Germany's goalkeeper, was kept busy during this period, making several outstanding reflex saves. The Germans equalized in the 26th minute, carefully constructing a play that set up Prinz for a tap-in at the left post. The half concluded with the score locked at 2-2.
The third period was tightly contested, primarily played in the midfield, but featured late action. Boon put Belgium ahead again with a penalty stroke in the 42nd minute, only for Germany to respond swiftly with Elian Mazkour scoring a scrappy field goal.
With the match poised for a thrilling conclusion, the Belgians struck three rapid goals that effectively snuffed out Germany's chances. Guillaume Hellin executed a well-timed deflection for a field goal in the 49th minute. Thibeau Stockbroekx then capitalized on a pass from Boon just a minute later, and Boon capped off his hat-trick with an exquisite running flick off his right foot in the 51st minute, making him the leading scorer in the Pro League with eight goals to date.
Belgium continued to threaten in the closing moments, with only a remarkable triple save from Onyekwue Nnaji preventing them from scoring what could have been the goal of the tournament after a series of four frantic touches.
The action will now shift to Argentina, where matches will resume starting Tuesday.
