FIH Pro League Games Belgium – Spain 21 May 2022

2 earlier attempts in 2020 and 2021 to go and watch the Belgian Red Pathers and Red Lions hockey teams play failed due to covid. Last weekend we finally managed to actually go and watch a couple of games. As a bonus Merijn got elected to be in the line up so it was an extra special event for him. Both teams played against Spain so we expected nice hockey from both sides. The Panthers played first. In the last 2 years their level has improved a lot. They missed the last olympic games but if qualification matches would be played now then they would have a good chance to qualify. The match delivered top level hockey from both teams, excellent 3D dribbling skills, accurate and fast passing, flicks across the field. Although the Spanish players were technically probably superior the Belgians made the difference and won by their better passing game. An enjoyable high quality game was an excellent opener of the evening. But it didn’t prepare us for the men’s game. Both women teams delivered a more than excellent performance but they were outdone by the Red Lions. Their level of play was insane, I have no better word for it, it is not from this world. At times we could only laugh seeing another incredibly fast and accurate pass across 75% of the pitch. Their game had everything you expect at this level, fast dribbling, accuracy, speed of execution. On top of that came variety, creativity, daring to go for the difficult options with success and a complete extension of the game into the third dimension. The Red Lions are famous for their 3D game and this match illustrated it perfectly. Many teams flick the ball through the air, switching from defense to attack and skipping the mid field. With the Red Lions it has taken on a new form where high ball passes are combined with regular passing in an attack creating new options and openings. It was absolutely mind blowing and brilliant to watch. Very hard to explain in words, better to go and watch for yourself at watch hockey.