Rourkela/Hobart, Feb 14 : Belgium men produced a commanding second-half display to secure a 5-2 victory over Argentina in the Men’s FIH Hockey Pro League at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela on Friday. Earlier in the day, Australia’s men extended their unbeaten run in Hobart with a 3-0 win over Pakistan, while Argentina’s women came from behind to defeat an improving Ireland 2-1.
In Rourkela, Arthur de Sloover marked his 200th appearance as Belgium overturned a 2-2 deadlock with 11 minutes remaining. The opening quarter was goalless, with both sides adopting a cautious approach. Argentina opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Tomas Domene, who added to his tally at the top of the goalscorer’s chart. Belgium faced intense pressure, defending five consecutive penalty corners before halftime, but goalkeeper Simon Vandenbroucke and the defence held firm.
Belgium dominated the third quarter, with De Sloover equalising in the 36th minute. Tobias Biekens and Alexander Hendrickx then helped the Belgians surge ahead with three goals in the final period, including two drag-flicks from Hendrickx and a late strike from Roman Duvekot to seal the win.
Meanwhile, the Kookaburras maintained their perfect Hobart record with a clinical 3-0 win over Pakistan. Blake Govers broke the deadlock in the 14th minute and later converted a penalty stroke, while Jack Welch added a third goal following a precise assist from Nathan Czinner. Australia dominated possession throughout, limiting Pakistan’s opportunities and securing a comfortable victory.
On the women’s front, Argentina overcame early adversity to defeat Ireland 2-1. Michelle Carey gave Ireland a quick lead in the second minute, but María Granatto equalised in the 15th minute. Agustina Gorzelany’s drag-flick in the 37th minute ultimately proved decisive as Las Leonas held off late Irish attacks to claim the win.
Belgium’s men now look to build on this momentum in upcoming FIH Pro League fixtures, while Australia continue their unbeaten streak in Hobart, and Argentina Women remain competitive after a hard-fought victory over Ireland.