Belgium got the result they needed to top women’s Pool B as they beat Scotland 5-0, advancing to the semi-finals while the Scots go into Pool C for their final ranking.
The Red Panthers were in front right from the start with Ambre Ballenghien getting in behind the last defender and thumping home a powerful shot with only 33 seconds on the clock.
She got a second from the right castle at a penalty corner, albeit via a heavy deflection, to make it 2-0 and they were three clear when Charlotte Englebert intercepted just a few metres from goal. She laid off for a simple Justine Rasir finish.
And their high press yielded similar dividends in the second half, ultimately leading to a penalty stroke when Ballenghien was fouled. Stephanie Vanden Borre stepped forward to nail the stroke.
And Astrid Bonami finished off the scoring in the 37th minute with a drag-flick, ensuring top spot in the group.
