Britain to face hosts after winning Pool A at Hockey World League Final

Britain earned a 3-3 draw with Belgium to secure top spot in Pool A ©Getty Images

Britain booked a quarter-final date with hosts India at the Men's Hockey World League Final after drawing with Belgium in Raipur to seal top spot in Pool A.

Having claimed victories in their opening two matches, the British team knew they would be assured of winning the pool if they avoided defeat to Belgium, who began the day in second position after a win and loss from their two matches.

Phil Roper gave Britain an ideal start to the match as he found the net in the seventh minute to put his team into a 1-0 lead, however Thomas Briels quickly put Belgium back on level terms.

The remainder of the tie followed in a similar pattern with Alastair Brogdon and Alan Forsyth putting Britain in front on two further occasions, only for Tanguy Cosyns and Tom Boon to restore parity.

Belgium were intent on making the Britain pay for failing to hold onto their leads, by replacing their goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch with an outfield player in the dying minutes, as they sought a goal to put them top of the group.

Britain, however, were able to withstand a late onslaught to earn a 3-3 draw and set up a quarter-final clash with India, who finished bottom of Pool A after two defeats and one draw.

Australia brushed aside Canada to claim second place in Pool A ©Getty Images

Reigning world champions Australia were able to celebrate clinching second place in Pool A, leapfrogging Belgium by brushing aside Canada in a one-sided encounter.

An 11th minute penalty corner by Jeremy Hayward was sandwiched between strikes from Daniel Beale and Dylan Wotherspoon as Australia built a commanding 3-0 lead, within the opening exchanges of the tie.

Two further penalty corners from Matthew Dawson and Kieran Govers put the match out of Canada’s reach, while a second goal from Beale added further gloss to the score line for Australia as they closed out a 6-0 victory.

“There was a little bit of improvement from the Great Britain game, at the very least it was a step in the right direction”, said Australia’s Eddie Ockenden, following the match.

The result ensured Australia would face Germany, who finished in third place in Pool B, in the second of tomorrow’s quarter-final matches.

Their tie will follow the completion of the clash between Pool B winners The Netherlands and Canada, who ended Pool A with three defeats.

Belgium are set to meet Pool B runners-up Argentina on Thursday (November 3), with Britain facing India earlier in the day.