Red lions: an unfortunate confirmation

It has been ten years since our national team had not missed the last. Nevertheless, square of a European competition. However, After the huge disappointment of the Paris 2025 Olympic Games. Meanwhile, it is a second blow on the head of Belgian male hockey. Therefore, In Germany, this Tuesday, the terms of failure or disappointment are again in order but another is essential: confirmation.

The one that is not said to be a Golden generation so easily. Moreover, Replace them From Aubel, Boccard, Denayer, Throat, Luypaert or Charlier Unfortunately cannot be done with a magic stick. Therefore, Even if this team is released on a Parisian disappointment. Furthermore. However, it is not easy to turn such a glorious page, especially when so many players put their stock at the same time.

Of the twenty players red lions: unfortunate confirmation new taken up (reservists included), 9 played their very red lions: unfortunate confirmation first major tournament. However, In fact. Moreover. Meanwhile, it could have felt in a hen that was the most raised in this tournament with the presence of the Dutch (Olympic champions in reigning and world number 1) and Spain (already an executioner at the Paris Olympics). Similarly, Add the staff’s decision to temporarily dismiss Vincent Vanasch to prepare for the future. you get a group which. logically, finds itself in lack of experience, even if it is impossible to say if fate would have been different with ” The Wall “ in order and it is difficult to point the finger at your replacement (Loic van Doren) which has not deserved either.

In summary. despite the stated objective of landing in Mönchengladbach for a medal, this elimination is therefore not a total surprise.

The Belgian game in this European championship red lions: unfortunate confirmation new will never have been completely fluid. the choices not always judicious offensively. the red lions: unfortunate confirmation character not always present to go and snatch a qualification. Far from us the idea of criticizing these new red lions but it is also a confirmation. already partly noted during the pro-League meetings in the spring: factually. this new team is logically less strong, still lacks regularity for the moment and did not completely deserve to pass the phases of group.

This observation is also reinforced by the difficulties on penalty corner. Our national team and. among other things, its dedicated shooter Alexander Hendrickx (yet author of 50 goals on penalty-corners in the Belgian championship. A record) will not have been effective (as in the last games). Two “PCs” transformed out of fifteen, it’s far … Very far from international standards, without having the excuse of youth in this case.

This observation red lions: unfortunate confirmation new posed, should we worry about it?

Yes and no.

Yes because we have had confirmation that this red lions: unfortunate confirmation team. even if it shone at times. is in total reconstruction and it will take, in all, time despite the hope that it takes place more quickly. A small ditch has now dug between the Red Lions and certain other nations (Netherlands in mind). Access to the semi-final of this European championship would have been a way to reassure yourself. But In fact. with a world cup at home (jointly with the Netherlands) in just a year. we can worry about seeing our Belgians in difficulty for this first world competition on his land.

But not because this setback can also be a beautiful alarm signal to force them to work even harder. Supporters should not forget that the “old Red Lions” have also experienced difficult times. Worse, the red lions: unfortunate confirmation new “new” must also assume the weight of the comparison with their elders. It will therefore take time to this team. certainly red lions: unfortunate confirmation talented but naturally more feverish for the moment. for Take your marks, learn from your failures and build your own story.

For the record, precisely, a Belgian will nevertheless be present in the semi-finals: John-John hits. The most heading player in the history of world hockey. young retiree, he competes this euro in the skin of the coach of the French team. On the occasion of this first tournament at the head of the Blues. he validated his ticket for the last square (a first in 55 years). A symbol …