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The World Hockey Cup begins Wednesday in India in Bhubaneswar. A competition that our Red Lions approach with a lot of ambition.
"I do not know if it's good to say it but we will not go there to make a place of honor, smiles the median John John Dohmen. We go there to win! Afterwards, you will not have to see yourself with the cup in your hands from the beginning. There are 6 or 7 contenders and we are all on an equal footing. It's a bit like during the last World Cup football. It was difficult to predict who would win."
But before thinking of a final coronation, it will be necessary to get out of the group phase. In a group consisting of Canada, India and South Africa, the first place will certainly be played between our national team and the host country during the second meeting.
Indians who will have the great advantage of being able to compete in front of the 15.000 spectators of the Kalinga Stadium, totally acquired with their cause. "I think there are two spectators per place available, laughs the attacker Tom Boon. They make a lot of noise. It's almost hard to get along on the ground. But he is a super public who likes to see beautiful hockey. If we show them beautiful things, maybe they will support us at the end of the tournament."
Before facing India, it is against Canada (11th world nation) that our national team will open the ball this Wednesday (12:30, Belgian time). A smooth entry perfect. "Yes, it's good but, to get into this tournament, it will play as a team. That no player tries to stand out. This is how everyone will have the opportunity to get into the competition. In the past, when we do this correctly, we have managed our tournament"Explains the recent Golden Stick Florent Van Aubel.
With 3 silver medals in 5 years (OJ and Euro), the Red Lions have certainly integrated the global gratin. A real feat for players who must, for many still, juggling the sport of high level and education or professional life.
Still, to definitely mark the history of Belgian sport, they will finally win a major title. "We're not going to India to lose a final againsays Tom Boon. This reputation of eternal 2nd we stings a little. We must go and get this first title. Then, I am convinced that with the team that we have, if we will look for this first title, there will be many others. We played so many important finals that we will not be surprised anymore. If we are in the final this year, I think we will win."
A feverishness that was sometimes explained by the lack of experience of a group still very young. But today, the executives of Red Lions have several Olympics or World Cups behind them and the team in India is arguably the strongest in history.
What hope to cross, finally, this difficult last step to the summits. Even if Australia, the Netherlands, Germany or Argentina will certainly not let their feet go.
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