BELGIUM THRASH EGYPT, IRELAND DOWN S. AFRICA

Johannesburg: Belgium demonstrated why they are ranked 14 places above Egypt in the world with a 0-0 triumph as the Men’s Hockey World League Semifinals tournament began here on Sunday. Eight Belgians scored at the University of the Witwatersrand hockey stadium with Thomas Briels and Tom Boon bagging braces. Ranked fifth in the world, Belgium were ahead by the third minute and four goals in front at the end of the first quarter in Pool B. The Belgians lead on goal difference from Ireland, whose good form this year continued with a 2-0 victory over hosts South Africa. Matthew Nelson scored on 10 minutes in front of a large crowd and Shane O’Donoghue doubled the advantage from a 47thminute penalty corner. South African hopes of a dramatic comeback were dealt a severe blow by the yellow-carding of Dayaan Cassiem. “We knew there would be a huge battle given that South African had home advantage,” said Ireland goalkeeper and captain David Harte. “It was great to keep a clean sheet, which resulted from a tremendous team effort. “There was a lot of pressure on us during the second quarter and we held firm.” New Zealand led twice and France once before they settled for a 3-3 draw in a thrilling Pool A opener. Francois Goyet, scorer of the second French goal, was the outstanding individual on show. Australia and Germany, ranked second and third in the world respectively, had byes and play their first matches Tuesday.