Scotland lost 5-0 to Belgium in their final Pool B match in the EuroHockey Championships in Germany, in temperatures around 33c, but head coach Chris Duncan admitted: “It was a tough game against a truly outstanding side.”

Belgium are ranked No 3 in the world with Scotland at No 15 and West Lothian-based Duncan said: “This was a free shot for us, and we had a plan that we believed in.

“Their pressure at the beginning got us on the back foot.”

Scotland now face two key games in cross-over ties to decide where they finish in the star-studded event in Monchengladbach.

Duncan said: “We are really looking forward to our last two games and fully believe that we can with both.”

Scotland did score from a penalty corner, Amy Costello slotting when the scoreline was 4-0 against, but the goal wa

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