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Belgium women have qualified for the Olympics for the first time in 12 years, beating Great Britain 3-2 in the FIH qualifiers semi-final in Valencia, Spain.
Barbara Nelen, Stephanie Vanden Borre and Justine Rasir’s scores sealed their spot at Paris 2024.
GB’s Olympic hopes are not over yet as they can still qualify.
They will compete against Ireland on Saturday in the third place play-off, with the winner qualifying for Paris.
Earlier on Thursday, Ireland were beaten 3-0 by Spain in a shootout after their game finished goalless.
London 2012 is the only time Belgium’s women have previously competed in hockey at an Olympics.
“I am super happy and proud with how my team played,” player of the match Nelen said. “After 12 years, it’s better late than never.”
In the first quarter, Britain created the first real chance with Lily Owsley winning a penalty corner but the team could not convert. Belgium then hit back as Nelen scored after controlling a high ball in the circle.
Britain started the second quarter in a lively manner and it was not long until Tessa Howard powered home to equalise. Some heroic defence from Belgium just before half-time kept the score 1-1.
There was some controversy in the third quarter as Vanden Borre scored from a penalty corner, with Great Britain wanting a video review because the ball was deflected in off Alix Gerniers’ shoulder, meaning it should have been disallowed.
But the officials did not see Gerniers’ touch with the shoulder in real time, and the review appeal was not made quickly enough for them then to go back and check – so the goal stood.
Rasir then scored a third for Belgium with five minutes left, and although Britain did give themselves some hope in the closing stages with a goal from Ellie Rayer, they could not find an equaliser.
Britain’s Hollie Pearne-Webb said: “I think we are extremely disappointed and frustrated with things in that game. Pleased with the performance as a whole, [there are] a few things we have to tidy up.”
Elsewhere, Great Britain’s men beat China 6-0 in their final group match, securing a spot in the qualifier semi-finals.
The team will play New Zealand on Saturday.
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