Hockey World Cup: Belgium thrashes South Africa 5-1

Alexander Hendrickx (14th, 22nd minutes) scored a brace while Simon Gougnard (18th), Loick Luypaert (30th) and Cedric Charlier (48th) were the other goal getters for Belgium.

Belgium players celebrate after scoring a goal against South Africa during a Pool C game in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.

Olympic silver medallist Belgium thrashed South Africa 5-1 in its last Pool C match to remain in the hunt for a direct quarterfinal berth at the men’s hockey World Cup here on Saturday.

Alexander Hendrickx (14th, 22nd minutes) scored a brace while Simon Gougnard (18th), Loick Luypaert (30th) and Cedric Charlier (48th) were the other goal getters for Belgium.

South Africa, on the other hand, scored its solitary goal against the World No.3 side just 36 seconds from the start through Nicholas Spooner’s field strike.

By virtue of this win, Belgium has progressed to the top of Pool C with seven points from three games while South Africa is currently placed last. (Updated before India’s match against Canada).