Hockey World Cup 2018, Belgium vs South Africa: 3 Standout Players from the match

#2 Simon Gougnard (Belgium)

Simon Gougnard scored a vital goal to take Belgium into the lead during the second quarter

Amidst many impressive performers for Belgium in this match, Simon Gougnard was deservedly bestowed with the Player of the Match award.

Aside from scoring a crucial second-quarter goal to lift the Red Lions into the lead, the 27-year old was also at the forefront of numerous incisive circle penetrations right throughout the game.

With Arthur van Doren and Loick Luypaert bewitching the South African midfielders, Gougnard received a long pass at a promising position.

After creating further space for himself by manoeuvring the ball, he produced a low and flat shot to leave no chance for goal-keeper Rassie Pieterse.

Gougnard's 18th-minute goal was extremely imperative for Belgium's cause as it allowed their strikers to breathe easier.

His tireless stick-work along the base-line also created quite a few scoring opportunities for the Red Lions.