Belgium registered an impressive 7-1 win over Japan to top the Pool B and book the quarterfinals spot at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023 at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, here on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
During the game, Belgium's star striker Tom Boon opened his account in the World Cup with a 5-goal performance, taking his team's goal difference to +11.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With a draw in the previous game against Germany, Belgium needed a big win against Japan to try and seal their spot at the top of Pool B and earn direct qualification to the quarterfinals and a first half hat trick by Boon gave them a 4-goal lead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
By the end of first half, Belgium increased their goal difference to +9 and with another 30 minutes, they further extended their lead over Germany, who had a +3 goal difference with one game to go in the final match of the day against Korea.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Japan had a much better start to the second half, keeping Belgium out in the 3rd quarter and scoring their first of the game early in the 4th. But Belgium had a much better finish to the game scoring thrice in the final 10 minutes, including 2 more goals for Tom Boon, to win with a 6 goal margin and bump their overall goal difference to +11.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tom Boon who became only the 4th ever player to score 5 goals in a World Cup game, was awarded player of the match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I think after scoring no goals in the first quarter, it's good to get 7 goals and a +6 goal difference in the final 3 quarters. Looking forward to playing in the knockouts going forward," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Tom Boon who became only the 4th ever player to score 5 goals in a World Cup game, was awarded player of the match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n