Despite the loss, they remain in contention for a medal.
They will face host nation Malaysia in the bronze-medal match.
Belgium effectively settled the encountered with a dominant first-half effort.
The second half, ending 1-1, showed strong resilience from the Black Sticks, but the early damage proved too great to overturn.
They entered their final pool match with a lot to do.
They needed a four-goal win over the world No3 team to secure a place in the gold-medal match.
Squad news added another twist, Otago’s Finn Ward ruled out after an injury sustained during the India match.
Belgium controlled the opening quarter with authority.
They dictated the tempo, dominated possession and generated the bulk of the circle entries and goal-scoring opportunities.
Their pressure eventually told, finding the back of the net with a well-worked field goal to lead 1-0 after 15 minutes.
The second quarter continued in the same pattern, but this time Belgium were ruthless on the scoreboard.
Three clinical finishes stretched their lead to 4-0 by halftime, putting the Black Sticks’ gold-medal hopes in real danger.
The best chance for the Black Sticks came from a turnover deep inside Belgium’s defensive 25, where Sam Lane pounced and unleashed a reverse-stick shot that flew just over the crossbar.
After the break, the Black Sticks responded with grit and determination. The third quarter was far more balanced, both sides creating chances but neither able to convert.
Belgium struck again in the fourth quarter, adding their fifth field goal of the match.
Moments later, Dylan Thomas delivered a strong reply, finishing well to put his side on the scoreboard and reward their improved second-half effort. — Allied Media
