Belgium, Britain secure second wins in men’s hockey

TOKYO: Belgium’s men’s hockey team secured a 3-1 victory over Germany in a scrappy match on Monday for their second win of the Tokyo Olympics, while Britain also won their second game of the tournament by beating Canada.

The British women’s team crushed South Africa 4-1 while the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, Argentina and New Zealand were also victorious in the women’s tournament.

The world champion Belgians took early control of the game, with forward Cedric Charlier beating the German goalie twice in the first quarter.

Emotions ran high on both sides in the second half, with Belgian defender Alexander Hendrickx adding to Germany’s pain by scoring his fourth goal of the tournament through a penalty corner.

Both sides had players temporarily sent off after getting green and yellow cards, which result in two and five-minute suspensions.

The Germans, however, could not penetrate their rivals’ defence effectively enough to level after scoring a penalty corner in the fourth quarter.

Britain’s men’s and women’s team both won on Monday, with the men beating Canada 3-1.

In the British women’s match, South Africa got off to a flying start, resulting in a fourth-minute go al by defender Nicole Walraven.

The relief among the British players was palpable when Ellie Rayer scored her first Olympic goal shortly before halftime, clearing the way for the victory.

In other women’s matches, gold medal favourites the Netherlands brushed aside Olympic debutants Ireland 4-0 to improve to 2-0 in Group ‘A’.

Australia rolled past China 6-0 to improve to 2-0 in Group ‘B’, while Argentina secured a 3-0 victory over Spain. New Zealand held off hosts Japan 2-1 and Germany beat India 2-0.