First rushers in hockey all the time stroll the fantastic line between bravery and stupidity. But preventing is second nature to Victor Wegnez.
At house he was the ‘punching bag’ for his father. In the slim streets of Molenbeek – a infamous Brussels suburb – he should ‘combat to the dying’. And on the hockey discipline, he’s not afraid to run straight into the trail of balls hit at over 100 kmph.
“I’m grateful for all those things,” says the Belgian midfielder, one of many stars of the World Cup semi-final. “It made me who I’m. If it wasn’t for my youth, I won’t be speaking to you.
Vagnez sits in a cushioned chair within the snug environment of an opulent lodge a mile away from the Kalinga Stadium, remembering his childhood when he was “dealing with filth.” The 27-year-old describes Molenbeek, the place he was born and grew up, as an space that was ‘not likely good’. “It was made of violence and stuff,” he continued.
Victor Vénez, who scored an important objective for @BELRedLions We discuss in regards to the sport and the preparations forward for the draw towards Germany.#HWC2023 pic.twitter.com/ltD1dq1hQB
– International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 17, 2023
According to a report within the Guardian, Molenbeek was dubbed Belgium’s terror hub after these liable for assaults in Paris, at Brussels airport and the town’s metro station – in 2016 – had been all from the neighbourhood. The report mentioned that after this about 50 folks joined ISIS in Syria. “You had to fight them to show them they won’t steal anything from you and fight to the death,” he informed the Hockey Paper in an interview final yr. “I was fighting every week after school.”
When he seems to be again on all these years, greater than the neighborhood, it’s the house surroundings that has left a deep impression on him. Vagnez says he was crushed by his father, with whom he now shares a estranged relationship. “My dad used to be really aggressive. It didn’t help. I told him I didn’t get it; I didn’t understand why you were like that. There’s no excuse for what he did.”
Vagnez was not even 10 years previous when he joined a hockey membership – considerably named Royal Daring – and left his house when he was 11. The hockey discipline turned his protected haven.
“Being at home, I was dealing with shit because you get into a place where you don’t want to be. When I was in hockey, I was away from family and really doing something that made me I could see my friends, scream, run, hit the ball and do things I couldn’t do at home,” he says. “If I did one thing towards my father’s want (at house), it was a little bit of an issue. But hockey modified my life.”
His skills on the sector didn’t go unnoticed as Vagnez went on to captain the Belgian junior crew that misplaced to India within the last of the 2016 Junior World Cup, and have become a pillar of the all-conquering senior aspect, Belgium. The golden era that was actually underneath Shane McLeod that led them to Olympic and world titles.
comply with up
Belgium’s protection stifled the Black Sticks within the second half and cruised into the semi-finals as they try and go back-to-back on the FIH Hockey Men’s World Cup! #HWC2023
📱- Download @watchdothockey App for all updates. pic.twitter.com/caipxaQCdE
– International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 24, 2023
MacLeod says that Vagnez is considered one of Belgium’s quickest quick sprinters and a brave participant, important qualities for a primary sprinter. “We noticed his talent set. He was very fast in order that places him within the class of ‘in the event you’re keen to develop it additional, we’re keen to develop you’,” McLeod says. “It was a mix of him eager to be useful and us Seeing his skill-set was what we would have liked.”
It matches completely. At this World Cup, Belgium have but to concede a penalty nook and Vagnez has landed half a dozen punches whereas efficiently attempting to maintain the ball from stepping into.
“I by no means complain (about) the ache and the ball being hit. It’s additionally a factor I’ve to do to remain within the crew,” he says. “It’s not one thing anybody can do however you simply should be courageous and settle for that the ball goes to hit you. happening and it will be painful. (But) I’m very pleased with all these balls as a result of it means I’m serving to the crew.
Vagnez was not even 10 years previous when he joined a hockey membership – considerably named Royal Daring – and left his house when he was 11. The hockey discipline turned his protected haven. (Hockey India)
Australia, Belgium in semi-finals
Tokyo Olympic finalists Australia and Belgium remained heading in the right direction to fulfill within the World Cup last, with each groups successful their respective quarter-finals in contrasting style on Tuesday.
Australia survived a large scare once they had been pushed to the restrict by a resilient Spain, who missed a penalty stroke with minutes to play, giving their rivals a 5–4 victory. They will face the winner of the quarter-final between England and Germany within the semi-finals.
Belgium, then again, had been by no means bothered by New Zealand, who beat India in a crossover match final Sunday. The defending champions received the match 2–0 to arrange a conflict with the Netherlands or South Korea.
Play Wednesday (Quarterfinals)
4.30 pm: England vs Germany
7 pm: Netherlands vs South Korea
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
