KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 — The national men’s hockey squad continued their poor run in the friendly match after sustaining their fourth straight defeat.

Tai Beng Hai’s boys who lost all three matches against the Netherlands mixed team earlier this week, went down 1-3 to Belgium national team in the friendly match played at the KNC Dragon field in Antwerp, Belgium today.

Thomas Veeheijen scores the opening goal for the home side in the 10^th minute before Amary Keusters put Belgium 2-0 ahead in the 34^th minute through field goal,” said Beng Hai via e-mail, today.

Alexander Hendrickx piled pressure for the national side after he found Malaysia’s net through penalty corner in the 52th minute before the national forward, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tengku Abdul Jalil scored the consolation goal, six minutes later.

For the record, they lost 1-2 (May 2), 0-1 (May 4) and 2-6, a day later against the Dutch mixed squad, which comprised of senior, Under-21 and development players.

The friendly cum training stint was part of Beng Hai’s preparations for the third round of the Hockey World League from June 20 to July 5 in Antwerp, Belgium.

Malaysia face a tough battle in the tournament which serves as the qualifying round for the 2016 Olympic Games after being drawn against hosts Belgium, Ireland, China and Great Britain in Pool B. — Bernama