Red Lions beaten in World Hockey League semi-Final

A low drag flick from Australia’s Chris Ciriello into the right corner of the goal was enough for the Hockey World Champions Australia to defeat Belgium 1-0 in the title encounter of the Hockey World League Semi-Final at the KHC Dragons Stadium in Brasschaat, near Antwerp on Sunday.

The title encounter seemed headed for a penalty shootout after Australia's two successive penalty corners in the last 25 seconds. However, Ciriello found the target by placing the shot wide of the Belgian goalkeeper's Jeremy Gucassoff reach.

It was a heart-breaking moment for the crowd and for Keeper Jeremy Gucassoff, who had played a gallant game on Sunday to thwart repeated raids by the Australian strikers.

World No 1 Australia laid siege on the Belgian citadel in the second half, forcing numerous penalty corners, but the goal eluded them as Belgium defended stoutly.

Gucassoff frequently dived to the sides and leapt in the air to block goal-bound shots. During this period, Belgium banked on a few breakaway counters that posed some danger at the other end of the pitch.

World No 1 Australia laid siege on the Belgian citadel in the second half, forcing numerous penalty corners, but the goal eluded them as Belgium defended stoutly.

Australia managed to put the ball into the goal three minutes from the time and the umpire blew for goal, but it was reversed as the ball had hit to foot of striker Blake Govers inside the scoring circle.

For a while in the first half, Belgium had an advantage as Australian player Tristan White was shown the yellow card and was off the turf for an extended period.

It became nine men versus 10 contests when a player from both sides was suspended for two minutes owing to a midfield clash, while White was still off the field. But Australia's strong defence did not allow Belgium to gain any benefit.

Belgium's best chance came early in the second half when their ace striker Tom Boon flicked just wide from close range.

All four semi-finalists form this World League Semi-Final qualified for the 2016 Olympics Games.

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