PARIS, Aug 4: In a thrilling men’s hockey quarter-final at the Paris Olympics, eighth-ranked Spain stunned reigning champions Belgium with a 3-2 victory on Sunday. Spain’s skipper Marc Miralles scored a crucial third goal just three minutes before the end, helping to fend off Belgium’s attempted comeback.
Spain, who hadn’t progressed past the quarter-finals since the Beijing 2008 Olympics, saw forward Jose Maria Basterra open the scoring in the 40th minute with a deflected goal off a pass from defender Jordi Bonastre. However, Belgium quickly equalized a minute later through Arthur de Sloover. Spain regained the lead in the 55th minute with a field goal from forward Marc Reyne, and Miralles extended the lead before Alexander Hendrickx pulled one back for Belgium.
Reflecting on the victory, Basterra expressed his elation, calling it the best day of his life and emphasizing the team’s joy and readiness to face their next opponents. Spain will advance to the semi-finals to play against either the Netherlands or Australia.
