Belgium men will seek to regain the men’s FIH Pro League title when they play their last cluster of games this week.
After Great Britain’s final two defeats, the Red Lions are in contention for top spot if they win three of their last four games.
With the FIH unable to find a title sponsor for the Pro League, prize money equates to $50,000 per gender – £30,000 to the winners, £20,000 to the runners up.
Belgium play double headers against Spain and the Netherlands from Friday.
Spain sit three points behind Belgium in fourth place, while the Dutch can overhaul GB if they win their remaining games. GB, however, have a better goal difference.
The Dutch men were edged out 4-1 in a shoot-out by Germany after the match finished 1-1 at a sold out Wagener Stadium.
Both teams are out of the Pro League reckoning while they were also missing players like Seve van Ass, Jorrit Croon, Teun Beins and Tijmen Reyenga, while Christopher Rühr and Mats Grambusch have been rested by Germany ahead of the EuroHockey Championships.
Meanwhile New Zealand have also been confirmed as the relegated team from the men’s top flight.
Meanwhile the Dutch women produced another dominant performance, claiming a comprehensive 4-1 victory over New Zealand to assume top spot in the tournament standings above Argentina.
Nearest challengers Belgium, currently in fourth, are 10 points behind the Oranje.
The Dutch just need to beat Germany on Monday to win their their third title in four Pro League editions.
The USA need four points from their remaining games to avoid Pro League relegation and overhaul China, while New Zealand need a win from their final three games.
Not sure all of what you say here is true . The Dutch still have 5 games to go – 1 v Ger , 2 v both NZ and Bel . If they win all 5 then they go to 35 points 3 ahead of GB and would be worthy winners .
I think most people would rather be in GB’s position having posted a points tally for others to chase .
The Dutch result yesterday certainly didn’t help them ( or Germany ) but they are still mathematically in the chase . If they can win today ( NZ ) and win their last 2 home games ( Ger and NZ ) then the Antwerp block will be fun!
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