World No. 3 Belgium delivered a ruthless masterclass as they demolished Malaysia 9–1 in their fourth match of the 13th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 at Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium, Ipoh.
Coming off a heartbreaking 3–4 loss to India the day before, Sarjit Singh’s Speedy Tigers stepped onto the turf determined to fight tooth and nail — but Belgium’s world-class firepower proved far too overwhelming.
Reigning World Player of the Year Tom Boon opened the floodgates in the 8th minute via a trademark penalty corner before Thomas Crols doubled the lead just three minutes later.
Malaysia responded bravely — Faizal Saari pulled one back in the 13th minute with a sharp field goal, raising brief hopes of a comeback.
But Belgium extinguished that momentum almost instantly, with Thibeau Stockbroekx restoring a two-goal cushion before the end of the first quarter.
Belgium’s intensity skyrocketed after the restart. Roman Duvekot (24’) slotted the fourth, Alexander Hendrickx (27’) converted a penalty stroke, Tommy Willem (30’) punished Malaysia again from a penalty corner.
Boon struck again in the 38th minute — another penalty corner, another Belgian celebration.
Three minutes later, Victor Foubert added number eight (41’).
Duvekot then completed Malaysia’s miserable evening with Belgium’s ninth in the 54th minute.
The defeat is one of the heaviest Malaysia have suffered in recent editions, with Belgium showcasing exactly why they sit among the world’s elite.
OTHER MATCHES: Canada 3–2 South Korea, India 3–2 New Zealand
Malaysia will close their group campaign against South Korea on Saturday at 6 pm, while New Zealand face Belgium (4 pm) and Canada take on India (2 pm).
Credit Photo : Hokita
