SOFIA - Today, April 28, the Belgian men's team played its fifth and final match at the IIHF Worlds Division 2, Group B in the Bulgarian capital Sofia. The opponent this time was Georgia.
The final match against Georgia was intense. For the first time during this World Championship campaign, the Belgians trailed behind in the first period. When Steyaert (#22/BEL) sits on the penalty bench for tripping, the Georgians take advantage of the majority and score a first goal through Obolgogiani (#16/GEO). Barely a minute later, they score again. Shvetsov (#17/GEO) surprises goalie Lievens (#1/BEL) a second time. However, Van Espen (#4/BEL) brings the Belgians back into the game with a solo goal just before the end of the period.
In the second period, the Belgians took advantage of another power play. Team Captain Gyesbreghs put the equalizer on the scoreboard, assisted by De Croock (#8/BEL) and Verelst (#17/BEL). Seconds later, Gyesbreghs strikes again, assisted by the same duo, to give the Belgians the lead.
In the third period, the Georgians put a lot of pressure on the Belgian net, looking for the equalizer. The game turns into a genuine thriller. The Belgians defend superbly and when, with less than six minutes left on the clock, Marov (#9/GEO) is send to the penalty box for elbowing, they get another chance via the power play. However, the Georgians' penalty killing runs smoothly. But in the 57th minute, De Croock (#8/BEL) again widens the gap via Verelst (#17/BEL) with a fourth and final goal which also sets the final score. The Belgians collect a fifth victory straight, good for gold and promotion to DIV2, Group A next year!
Final score: GEO vs. BEL: 2-4 (2-1;0-2; 0-1)
MVP Team BEL: Marek Ziarny (#24/defender)
Game Schedule
22/04 – 15:30 – BEL vs. TUR: 8-0
23/04 – 19:00 – BEL vs. BUL: 11-1
25/04 – 15:30 – BEL vs. TPE: 8-1
27/04 – 12:00 – NZL vs. BEL: 0-6
28/04 – 19:00 – GEO vs. BEL: 2-4