Belgium welcomed the Red Lions with loud applause as images showed the High Fens blackened by fires. Abroad, attacks in Sweden and Ukraine brought a sombre note, while Pukkelpop opened with performances from Roxy Dekker and Yungblud.
Belgium’s men’s hockey team, the Red Lions, were enthusiastically received. In the second group phase, they face Australia; a win is important to keep their world title hopes intact, while Germany dropped points.
A forest fire ravaged more than 3,000 hectares in the High Fens, making it Belgium’s largest disaster of this kind in more than a century. The fire is now under control, while teams remain alert for possible flare-ups and the affected areas appear heavily blackened.
The start of the D3 amateur francophone championships, scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed by the FFA board, which announced the news on Friday. The reasons for the delay were not specified.
In Fagersta, Sweden, a person entered a school and injured several people with a sword. Police received a report around 2 PM and arrested a suspect.
A Russian attack on a shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih, President Zelensky's hometown, killed 14 and injured over 100. The attack highlights ongoing tensions in Ukraine and its impact on civilians.
Frans Verbeeck, the former cyclist, has died at the age of 85. He competed alongside legends like Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck, winning the Belgian title and the Amstel Gold Race.
Roxy Dekker opened the Main Stage at the Pukkelpop music festival, surprising the crowd with a spectacular shower of pink confetti. The festival, known for its diverse lineup, attracts thousands of visitors to Kiewit, Belgium each year.
British singer Yungblud performs at Pukkelpop despite a broken leg. Shortly before his set, he received a new cast backstage, but remained determined to entertain the crowd on the Main Stage.
Every story in 60 words, three languages, free on iOS and Android. No account needed.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play