New Delhi, 17 Jan 2014: Belgium, ranked 5th in the world, played four matches till now and except one draw they lost all the other matches, after being in a position of strength. Against Argentina on Friday, one thought the same pattern would continue, but the Red Lions came back after being by a goal down and pushed the match into the shoot-out and comfortably won to be on course for a 5-6 placing match with Germany or India.

In the Hero World Hockey League Final here at the Dhyan Chand stadium, Belgium defeated Argentina 4-2 (1-1 in regulation time).

Belgium began aggressively and exerted a lot of pressure on Argentina in the first session with a series of raids up front but the Argentine defence stood well and their goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi effective in snubbing at least three sure shots on goal. However, Belgium paid a penalty when they allowed possession to the rivals, following an unforced error and the Argentine players executed a swift counter attack that resulted in a goal against the run of play.

It was centurion Matias Ray, who is playing his 100th game for Argentina, that scored the field goal in the 31st minute.

In the second half, it was the turn of Argentina who had a better share of exchanges. Buoyed by the goal, the Los Leones switched up gears and weaved round the Belgium defence but failed to increase the lead. They managed to get two short corners but could not convert them, with the second attempt from Sebastien Dockier hitting the right post. Goalkeeper Vincent Vanash stood like a rock and kept them in the game to gave their forwards a chance to equalize. And they did.

Midway through the second half, the equalizer materialized when Felix Denayer sent a long diagonal ball from the right flank, which rose into the goalmouth. Argentine custodian Juan Vivaldi, who lifted his stick to stop a defender get access, only managed to deflect the ball in for an own goal. Later, Belgium tried desperately in the last 15 minutes for an elusive match winner but won the shoot out.

Only Matias Parades was successful in the shoot out for Argentina while two Belgium players were successful before Gauthier Boccard, who took the last attempt earned a penalty stroke for Belgium and Tom Boon made no mistake from the spot for a 3-1 score in the set-piece.

Ends