China was hindered from entering top-eight with a 3-1 loss to Belgium in the final day of the Olympic men's hockey preliminary stage at Beijing Olympic Games on Tuesday.

With one draw and four losses, China ranked bottom in Pool A with only one point. It was Belgium's first win after three losses and one draw.

China's head coach Kim Sang-ryul said he was very unhappy from the beginning to now. "In very match we started well, but one person made a stupid mistake which gave the opponents chances and more mistakes were made, and suddenly the match turned over," said the South Korean man, "but it was experience."

He also noted his team only deserved 60 scores for their performance in the Olympics.

Captain Song Yi converted a penalty corner which gave China a 4th-minute lead.

Xavier Reckinger evened the score for Belgium in the 28th minute. The other two goals came from Gregory Gucassoff in the 32nd and John-John Dohmen in the 48th.

Chinese defender Luo Fangming said they allowed many chances for Belgium in the midfield to make breakthroughs and they got plenty of time passing the ball. They also made several mistakes in organising attacks. "When playing against European teams, we often find ourselves falling short of physical strength, especially in the second half," he said.

"We are lacking in experience in major competitions. But there is nothing wrong with the coach's plan and tactics," Luo added.

China now play against South Africa for the 11th-12th place. Belgium, ranked fifth in the pool, face Canada in the 9th-10th playoff.

Source:Xinhua