Scotland lost 5-0 to Belgium in their final Pool B match in the EuroHockey Championships in Germany, in temperatures around 33c, but head coach Chris Duncan admitted: “It was a tough game against a truly outstanding side.”
Belgium are ranked No 3 in the world with Scotland at No 15 and West Lothian-based Duncan said: “This was a free shot for us, and we had a plan that we believed in.
“Their pressure at the beginning got us on the back foot.”
Scotland now face two key games in cross-over ties to decide where they finish in the star-studded event in Monchengladbach.
Duncan said: “We are really looking forward to our last two games and fully believe that we can with both.”
Scotland did score from a penalty corner, Amy Costello slotting when the scoreline was 4-0 against, but the goal was chalked off and Duncan said: “Umpires need to make decisions and, whilst we are frustrated at it not being allowed, we can’t do anything about it.”
Ambre Bellenghien netted in the first minute and the same player was on the score sheet 17 minutes later for 2-0 following a penalty corner.
Justine Rasir added a third after 27 minutes with Stephane Vanden Borre slotting a penalty stroke six minutes later, the goal coming one minute into the third quarter.
Astrid Bonami added the fifth six minutes after that from a penalty corner.
TALKING TACTICS: Chris Duncan (left) and his assistant, Jimmy Culnane. Picture Nigel Duncan
