Namibia’s men launched a great comeback but it was not enough as they lost their quarterfinal 7-6 against Belgium at the Indoor Hockey World Cup in Porec on Friday.
Belgium seemed to be cruising to a comfortable victory when they took a 3-0 lead by the end of the first quarter while they stretched their lead to 5-0 before JP Britz opened Namibia’s account from a short corner just before halftime.
Belgium however surged into a 7-1 lead by the end of the third quarter, but Namibia launched an incredible comeback in the final quarter to ensure a thrilling finish.
Three goals in three minutes by Ernest Jacobs and Fagan Hansen (two) made it 7-4, and when JP Britz scored a field goal the score was suddenly 7-5.
The momentum was with Namibia and when David Britz scored with a deflection from a short corner in the final minute, Belgium were under heavy pressure.
Namibia attacked all out in the final seconds but Belgium just managed to hold on for a thrilling, if nervy victory.
Belgium are now through to the semifinals, while Namibia will play out for positions five to eight.
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