Belgium and the Netherlands tied 2-2, Orange takes an extra point in the penalty shootout | Pro Hockey League

For Belgium, Olympic and world champions, it was the third match in the Pro League after two fencing wins against Germany, as the European champions made their debut in the current Pro League season.

Defending champion Belgium missed Cousins, Poncelet, Kenna and the injured Stockbroeks, while Loic van Doren replaced the absent Vincent Vanach. At Orange, it was Gruen Dilmy’s first official match as head coach, and Dilmy still has a past with the Red Lions.

The first quarter was in favor of the Belgians, but Boone, Dahmen and Denayer missed opportunities. In the second quarter, Arthur Van Doren injured his left hand after a strong effort from Peters. Van Doren’s exit, two-time World Player of the Year, is no more.

That was the end of Belgian hegemony. The goals came after the end of the first half. Peters opened the scoring for the home team at Wagener Hockey Stadium, but Van Opel equalized 3 minutes later on a rebound from the penalty spot by Hendrix.

The Belgians dominated the match again, but did not get past goalkeeper Visser. Jansen made it 2-1 with a penalty kick, and 4 minutes later a penalty kick by Hendrix made it into the final score.

Hendrix got another chance in the final stage with a penalty kick, but the ball was rotated. In the penalty shootout, the No. 4 in the world was too fast for No. 1. The Netherlands got an extra point 3-0.

On Sunday, the two countries will play each other again in Amstelveen.