Red Lions edge France 3-2 in Hockey World Cup opener in Wavre

Match overview

Belgium's Red Lions opened their Hockey World Cup campaign on home soil with a 3-2 comeback victory over France on Saturday evening at the Hockey Arena in Wavre. Trailing twice in the match, the Belgians needed penalty corners in the second half to turn the game around, with Roman Duvekot and Alexander Hendrickx delivering the decisive goals. The win puts Belgium level with Germany at the top of Group B, after the defending champions defeated Malaysia 5-1 earlier in the day.

How the match unfolded

France struck first through Eliot Curty in the 4th minute, putting the home side under early pressure. Belgium responded in the second quarter when Nelson Onana found the net in the 18th minute, but the lead lasted barely a minute as Florent Vaal restored France's advantage in the 19th. The French, coached by John-John Dohmen, held firm defensively through the third quarter. Belgium's breakthrough came from a penalty corner converted by Roman Duvekot in the 45th minute, and a second penalty-corner goal from Alexander Hendrickx in the 57th minute sealed the three points.

Player reactions

Lucas Balthazar, the 20-year-old midfielder playing his first World Cup, described the atmosphere as extraordinary. The stadium was sold out, with DJ Henri PFR surrounded by 80 dancer-hockey players carrying light sticks, and a fan zone that had been buzzing since late afternoon.

It was completely crazy. The atmosphere was really great, it was incredible to play, we all said it was one of the best crowds we've ever played in front of. We all had goosebumps walking onto the pitch.

Balthazar noted that the team kept its composure despite falling behind twice. At half-time, he said, the squad was determined and unafraid of the result. Maxime Luycx, commenting on the victory, said the Belgians were "completely liberated" after securing the win.

The French perspective

France coach John-John Dohmen, the record holder for most selections with the Red Lions, expressed pride in his players despite the defeat.

The game plan was executed to perfection, both defensively and offensively, even though we created too few penalty corners.

Dohmen said he was disappointed his side could not capitalize on their momentum in the third quarter to score a third goal they would have deserved, but acknowledged that Belgium took control and earned their winning goal.

What's next

Shane McLeod's side face Germany on Monday at 20:30 in a match that could decide first place in Group B. The defending champions opened with a 5-1 win over Malaysia. Belgium will conclude the first round against Malaysia on Wednesday at 20:30. Both Belgium and Germany need to finish in the top two of Group B to reach the semi-finals.

A tradition of strong starts

The Red Lions have built a reputation for opening tournaments well. In recent World Cups, they beat South Korea 5-0 in 2023, Canada 2-1 in 2018, and India 3-2 in 2014, the latter thanks to a last-minute goal from John-John Dohmen, now coaching France. Their Olympic openers include wins over Ireland 2-0 in 2024, the Netherlands 3-1 in 2021, and Great Britain 4-1 in 2016. The last time Belgium lost an opening match was at the Euro 2015, a 4-0 defeat to Germany. At previous tournaments held in Belgium, the Red Lions beat Germany 2-1 in Boom in 2013 and Spain 5-0 in Antwerp in 2019.