Belgium 1, Spain 0

It was the first real test of the Athlon Car Least FIH Road to London Tournament and Belgium passed with flying colors in front of a standing room only crowd, beating Spain, 1-0

Sofie Gierts’ goal just over a minute into action stood as the only offense from both sides and was the difference in Belgium taking a giant leap towards the final game. Belgium now stands atop the standings along with Ireland as the only two undefeated teams at the event.

Belgium got a boost from the early goal and played a strong first half, but Spain slowly started threatening the Belgium goal and by the second half Spain was surely the better team. But in a game where scoring chances were at a minimum, Spain couldn’t convert their precious few opportunities, including a penalty corner given as time expired in regulation that could have tied the game.

World #11 Spain, the top seed at this tournament, has struggled in its first three games with offense, netting just one goal against France and going scoreless today. Meanwhile #16 Belgium and #14 Ireland are in good position each with the full nine points in their first three games. Spain’s loss today’s pretty much puts the team in a must-win position on Thursday when it they meet the Irish. Belgium will meet France.