Belgium entertain neighbours The Netherlands in a top- of-the-table FIH Pro League match at the Royal Uccle Sports Complex on Wednesday.
The Red Lions, who beat the Dutch in the 2018 World Cup final, are riding high on the nine-nation table with 24 points. The Netherlands have 17 but have two matches in hand.
Both teams have had the measure of Great Britain in recent matches. The Red Lions put it across the Brits 3-2 and 2-1 at the Royal Uccle over the weekend.
Days earlier, The Oranje won 1-0 and 3-1.
Belgium, European champions and last season’s Pro League runners-up, start favourites but only just.
Two high profile coaches will also go head-to-head. New Zealand’s Shane McLeod, Belgium head coach, will pit wits against opposite number Argentina’s Max Caldas.
The Netherlands got the better of Belgium in the 2019 edition but the Red Lions had the last laugh with a 3-1 win in the semifinals en route to the final against eventual champions Australia.
The women take the pitch first. Table leaders and World champions The Netherlands will aim to swell their lead over nearest rivals Argentina who have played one game more to six points.
The Red Panthers are at distant sixth in the standings but a clash against their neighbours could well bring the best out of them.
The double header format will not apply to this encounter. Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the second matches between the two nations will be played in Belgium in May 2021.
The decision was reached in agreement with the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Royal Belgian Hockey Association (KBHB), the Royal Dutch Hockey Association (KNHB) as well as broadcasting partners.
The matches will be played in front of empty stands as is the ongoing health safety protocol in wake of the pandemic.
FACTFILE
Belgium v Netherlands (Women & Men)
Where: Royal Uccle Sports Complex, Brussels (BEL)
Dates: 4 November 2020
WOMEN’S MATCH
Times: 20.00 (IST)
The essentials…
Current FIH World Ranking: Belgium: 12 | Netherlands: 1
Current FIH Hockey Pro League position: Belgium: 6 | Netherlands: 1
Final standings – FIH Hockey Pro League 2019: Belgium: 5 | Netherlands: 1
Head-to-heads in all competitions (since 2013 – 16 matches)
Wins: Belgium: 2 | Netherlands: 13 | Draws: 1
Goals scored: Belgium: 8 | Netherlands: 41
MEN’S MATCH
Times: 22.30 (IST)
FACTFILE
Current FIH World Ranking: Belgium: 1 | Netherlands: 3
Current FIH Hockey Pro League position: Belgium: 1 | Netherlands: 2
Final standings – FIH Hockey Pro League 2019: Belgium: 2 | Netherlands: 3
Head-to-heads in all competitions (since 2013 – 17 matches)
Wins: Belgium: 7 | Netherlands: 8 | Draws: 2
Goals scored: Belgium: 40 | Netherlands: 42