This Weekend, Belgian Hockey Teams Compete in European Championship
This weekend, Belgium’s national hockey squads will participate in the European Championship in Mönchengladbach. Both the Red Lions and the Red Panthers aim to improve on their podium finishes from 2023., reports 24brussels.
Among the two teams, the Red Panthers are the most likely to secure the European championship title this year. Following a bronze medal in 2021 and a silver in 2023, the Belgian women’s hockey team is now eyeing gold in Mönchengladbach.
“The standards we set for ourselves and each other are very high. We would obviously be disappointed if we didn’t make the final,” remarked goalkeeper Elodie Picard earlier this month. “We know exactly what we have accomplished and what we are capable of.”
However, to win the tournament, Belgium must overcome the current undisputed champions of women’s hockey: the Netherlands. The Dutch women have claimed victory in the last four European Championships, including a 3–1 triumph over Belgium in the 2023 final.
Despite previous setbacks, the Panthers have shown significant progress. In June, they nearly defeated the Dutch national team in the Pro League, conceding a 2–2 equalizer only in the closing moments of the match. This performance has boosted their confidence heading into the upcoming tournament.
“I think we are doing everything very well,” stated Michelle Struijk of Belgium. “Now we have to create the ideal situation to win a final. I think we are close. We can feel it.”
Rejuvenated Lions Face Challenges
The Red Lions, who finished third in the previous EuroHockey Championship, are navigating a period of transition. Key players such as Félix Denayer, Loïck Luypaert, and John-John Dohmen have retired from international competition.
This shift has prompted head coach Shane McLeod, who returned after the Paris Olympics, to rebuild the squad. Notably, veteran goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch has been omitted from the lineup to allow his successor, Loic Van Doren, to gain valuable experience.
The team’s potential performance remains uncertain as they contend in a highly competitive group featuring the Netherlands and Spain, ranked first and fourth globally. “There are three teams fighting for two places,” indicated Arthur De Sloover. “We cannot afford any slip-ups.”
De Sloover, now one of the squad’s most experienced players, views their underdog status as a possible advantage. “It takes pressure off, especially for the youngsters. The other teams will also watch us less closely, which could allow us to catch them off guard.”
The Lions will begin their tournament against Austria on Saturday, followed by matches against the Netherlands on Sunday and Spain on Tuesday. Concurrently, the Panthers will face Spain on Sunday, England on Monday, and Scotland on Wednesday. Only the two best teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
