Madrid, Mar 06: A brace by Patrice Houssein helped Belgium to be back in the reckoning for a berth in the 2004 Athens Olympics as they held New Zealand to a 2-2 draw in their Pool B game in the men's pre-olympic qualifying hockey tournament at the Club De Campo here today.
Belgium went into the lead in the 18th minute when the pony-tailed Houssein, capitalising on a defence lapse sounded the board to make it 1-0.
But their lead was short-lived as the Kiwis forced a penalty corner in the very next minute and Hayden Shaw made no mistake in finding the target.

The Kiwis then went on the offensive and made a series of moves on the rival citadel. They were rewarded in the 25th minute when a fine pass from Wayne Mcindoe was driven home by Patrick Burrows (2-1).
After the change of ends, the Belgians, who had held India to a 1-1 draw in their opening match, stepped up the attack and the Kiwis, who won the Olympic Gold in 1976, failed to sustain the momentum they had displayed in the first half.
The Belgians missed many a sitters and it seemed that the New Zealanders will be able to just squeeze in a win, but Houssein spoilt their party with one minute to the final hooter (2-2).

The Kiwis, who had till then aimed for a full three points, had to be content with one that took their tally to seven from three matches.

Bureau Report