The Red Panthers must leave the European title to the strongest Netherlands

Losing to the Dutch ladies is not a disgrace in current hockey. The Orange are accumulating big trophies like blocks: this European championship title is already the eighth for the Orange in the last 20 years alone.

But Belgium wanted to do more than just damage limitation in this final: show that they are getting closer and closer and that, with a well-executed plan, they can cause a sensation. Moreover, the Red Panthers wanted to silence the Orange Party, after criticism of Belgium’s conservative approach from their camp.

Belgium’s ambitious plan was quickly wrecked. The Panthers’ start wasn’t awake enough. The Dutch first attacked well and Belgium were constantly outplayed by their mixed style of play. Safe defense acted frantically. Freaky Moyes made it 2-0, but the post prevented him from getting worse: in the first quarter a penalty was threatened.

In the second quarter, Belgium showed its fangs. The Leopards now got close to the Dutch circle more often and managed to score just a few penalties in a row. Stephanie Vanden Burre did not find a hole. But Abi Ray managed to score the connection goal after a great job (2-1). Turns out, the hope that was kindled was short-lived. Joosje Burg took advantage of the space and kicked the ball in with a Belgian foot to make it 3-1.

The Panthers didn’t find the same offensive drive after the break. Holland switched to control and dominated without being too serious. The final fourth quarter comeback also failed to deliver for the battle-weary Panthers: the experienced Orange played the game maturely.

For example, the value ratios are not respected too much: to beat the Netherlands, the Panthers will have to take many steps. But the trend in this European Championship has been good. The Belgian women can leave the tournament with their heads held high: they made a good impression against Spain and beating Germany at home is a great achievement.

In the coming months, all focus will be on qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which is the main goal after a dramatic absence from the Olympic Games. This European Championship has shown that their ambition for an Olympic medal is legitimate, although they will have to go a little farther not to face one country in the quarter-finals: the Netherlands.