Iceland vs Belgium 3-4 (PS)
Belgium defeated Iceland 3-4 after shoot-outs following an exciting battle.
The game started with an Icelandic shorthanded goal, but Belgium reacted quickly with a powerplay goal from #17 Alice Vercruysse and a great goal from #9 Linnore Saunders. Iceland equalised again before the first break.
After a tight second period, #22 Iliana Diels restored Belgium’s lead in the third period, but Iceland equalised with seven minutes left to play. Overtime brought no decision.
In the shoot-outs, goalie #20 Eurydice Blairon became the hero with four saves, while Linnore Saunders and Alice Vercruysse scored.
#20 Eurydice Blairon was deservedly named MVP for Belgium.
Belgium vs Mexico 0-1 (PS)
Belgium narrowly lost 0-1 to Mexico after shoot-outs following a tight game. During regulation time, both teams stayed level thanks to strong goaltending from Eurydice Blairon and Mexican goalie Sofia Hernandez.
Overtime also produced no winner. Belgium survived a late penalty, while a powerplay at the other end did not result in a winning goal.
In the shoot-outs, Mexico proved to be the most clinical and scored the only goal. For Belgium, Iliana Diels, Linnore Saunders, Julia Pasztaleniec and Lotte Deraedt all missed their attempts. #17 Alice Vercruysse did score, but her penalty shot was (wrongly) disallowed by the refereeing crew.
#22 Iliana Diels was named MVP for Belgium.