IPOH: Malaysia’s hopes of making it to the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final were dashed after they suffered a 9-1 thrashing by Belgium on Thursday (Nov 27).

The first quarter was a goal fest on its own, seeing four goals scored in the first 15 minutes at the Azlan Shah Stadium.

Belgium stalwart Tom Boon punished hosts Malaysia in the early stages when he converted a penalty corner to put the Red Lions ahead in the eighth minute, followed by teammate Thomas Crols' field goal to make it 2-0 three minutes later.