As it happened | Hockey World Cup 2018: Belgium 4-1 South Africa

The quarter has ended.

The final score is, Belgium 5-1 South Africa

Despite taking a lead in the first quarter, South Africa lost their momentum as the game progressed.

South Africa were defeated by Belgium.

Now, with seven points, Belgium sit atop pool C and the next match, which is between India and Canada will give a clear perspective that which team will cruise to the quarter-final berth.

Well, the chances of Belgium are more as they have better goal difference.

Five stars!

Fifth goal for Belgium.

Cedric Charlier scores the fifth goal for his team.

The score is, Belgium 5-1 South Africa

No goal in quarter 3!

South Africa's Spooner won the ball in the concluding minutes of this quarter but he failed to score.

South Africa also won a penalty but it was saved brilliantly by Belgium's goalkeeper.

Free hit to South Africa!

Belgium commit an error during their attempt to score the fifth goal.

The goal was denied after umpire's referral because the ball had crossed the line at the time of hitting the penalty corner.

Despite netting, scores remain same.

Belgium 4-1 South Africa

Belgium 4-1 South Africa

A very close game when it comes to possession as Belgium had 51 per cent and South Africa had 49 per cent.

While, Belgium had more circle penetrations.

Circle penetrations: Belgium 16-8 South Africa

Belgium had eight shots on target whereas, South Africa had three.

Belgium scored three goals from penalty corner, all three penalties were converted.

And Again!

Happy faces in white shirt at Kalinga Stadium.

Just before the half-time whistle, Belgium extend the lead.

Loick Luypaert strikes for his team and Belgium are in commanding position.

The score is 4-1 in favour of Belgium.

This match has been very gripping as both the teams had equal possession, so far, in the game.

Belgium dominate!

Belgium's lead has been further extended by Alexander Hendrickx.

Hendrickx strikes again, score is 3-1.

Belgium vs South Africa

Just two minute into the second quarter, and Belgium strike again.

Simon Gougnard has extended the lead and the score is, 2-1.

Belgium equalise!

Alexander Hendrickx converted the penalty and Belgium are back in the game.

Belgium and South Africa have played a total of 12 matches, out of which, Belgium have won six and South Africa won five and one match ended with no result.

Nicholas Spooner strikes.

South Africa have taken the lead.

Here is the Playing XI:

Belgium: Arthur van Doren, Florent van Aubel, Gauthier Boccard, Thomas Briels (C), Felix Denayer, Vincent Vanasch, Simon Gougnard, Arthur De Sloover, Loïck Luypaert, Victor Wegnez, Tom Boon.

South Africa: Austin Smith, Tim Drummond (C), Thomas Hammond, Dayaan Cassiem, Rhett Halkett,  Taine Paton, Mohamed Mea, Jethro Eustice, Rassie Pieterse, Nicholas Spooner, Nqobile Ntuli.

Here is the complete squad list of both the teams:

Belgium 

Head coach: Shane McLeod

Squad: Loic van Doren, Arthur van Doren, John-John Dohmen, Florent van Aubel, Sébastien Dockier, Cédric Charlier, Gauthier Boccard, Nicolas de Kerpel, Emmanuel Stockbroekx, Alexander Hendrickx, Thomas Briels (C), Felix Denayer, Vincent Vanasch, Simon Gougnard, Arthur De Sloover, Loïck Luypaert, Victor Wegnez, Tom Boon.

South Africa 

Head coach: Mark Hopkins

Squad: Tyson Dlungwana, Austin Smith, Tim Drummond (C), Paebo Lembethe, Julian Hykes, Thomas Hammond, Dayaan Cassiem, Rhett Halkett, Richard Pautz, Taylor Dart, Taine Paton, Mohamed Mea, Jethro Eustice, Rassie Pieterse, Nicholas Spooner, Keenan Horne, Nqobile Ntuli, Gowan Jones.