At the beginning of the match, China was on the offensive with a clear opportunity to score in the minute 11th but the ball was blocked by Jill Boon. A second chance for the Chinese girls was missed when a deflected shot from Zhong Jiaqi hit the crossbar. Belgium’s first penalty-corner was well executed but saved by the Chinese defense. After a smart video referral, the Europeans got another penalty-corner, but once again, the strike was unable to capitalize. The 1st half ended 0-0, with both teams showing good performances in what is so far a more even and challenging match compared to yesterday’s game.
The 2nd half started with three penalty-corners in quick succession for China, all well saved by Belgium’s defense. In the minute 40th, a new penalty-corner brought hope for the Chinese girls, but the chance was missed once again. The Asians kept attacking and creating pressure but the Belgians resisted strong every time they attack. In a desperate move, China removed their goalkeeper in the minute 54th in an attempt to make the difference. And four minute before the end of the match, with a penalty-stroke, Gu Bingfenf scored China’s first goal. Rapidly, a second goal by Llang Meiyu was made in an excellent managed moved. Aggregated score is now 2-2 and there are only two minute left before the match ends. Belgium couldn’t believe their eyes in what was a complete change of scenario.
As the game finished even, the first FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier went to shoot-out. And it what was a very competitive and intense moment, China pulled off the most miraculous of come-backs and held their nerve to win the shoot-out on sudden death winning a place for Tokyo 2020.
