BELGIUM 5 – 1 IRELAND
Saturday, June 14 – Antwerp: World #2 Belgium outmuscled Ireland in the first match of the final FIH Pro League stage. A hattrick for Tom Boon put the home side out of reach despite a super performance from Ireland goalkeeper Jaime Carr, and a goal from Banbridge’s Louis Rowe.
Belgium threatened early on, with a disallowed goal inside the first five minutes, followed by a strike over the bar from Tom Boon. A second effort from Boon soon after forced two textbook saves from Ireland Goalkeeper Jaime Carr, but Boon, the current FIH Pro League top scorer would eventually break the deadlock, volleying in from a Nelson Onana pass.
Belgium continued to control the first quarter, generating several circle entries, one of which leading to the first penalty corner of the game which Ireland defended well.
Ireland started the second quarter much more settled, enjoying periods of possession which they tried to turn into chances on goal. A break down the right-hand side started by Louis Rowe provided Ireland’s best chance, but the ball into the circle evaded the Irish attackers.
Belgium’s grab on the game eventually resumed, as the home side kept Ireland pinned back. Thibeau Stockbroekx added a second for Belgium, reacting quickest after a save from Jaime Carr to find the back of the net.
The Belgian press continued to cause problems it the late stages of the first half, with a turnover in midfield forcing another save from Carr. A penalty corner late in the first half resulted in a third for Belgium, Tom Boon getting his second of the match and sixteenth of the competition.
An ideal start to the second half for Ireland saw them find the back of the net, Louis Rowe reacting quickest to lift the ball over Loic Van Doren in net. Belgium also opted to refer, claiming a back stick in the buildup, which the video umpire disagreeing with, resulting in the home side losing their referral.
Ireland almost had a second just a few minutes after, Johnny McKee driving into the circle and finding Ali Empey on the penalty spot whose effort was saved by Van Doren.
Belgium’s response to conceding came quickly, as they tried to restore their three-goal lead, hitting the side netting once and forcing an excellent block from Luke Witherow just after. A goalmouth scramble following a ball into the circle from Belgium eventually resulting in a penalty stroke, Tom Boon’s effort hitting Peter McKibbin on its way towards goal. Boon stepped up to complete his hattrick but was denied by Carr. A fourth, though did eventually come for Belgium, Roman Duvekot finishing off a slick attacking move to restore the three-goal lead in the closing stages of the third quarter.
The final quarter began in a frantic fashion, as Ireland looked to find a way back into the game, and Belgium tried to put it out of reach. A couple of chances for Belgium were well defended by Ireland, with Peter McKibbin putting his body on the line on one occasion. A goal would come in Q4, in Belgium’s favour as Tom Boon finally got his hattrick, striking into the net in the 50th minute.
The defensive duties continued for Ireland, a penalty corner offering Belgium their next chance, which Jaime Carr saved and cleared.
Ben Nelson produced the last considerable moment of the tie, stinging the palms of Van Doren with a powerful result shot. The game ended Belgium 5 – 1 Ireland.
Ireland will play Belgium again tomorrow, June 15 at 14:30 Irish time in their second of six games in Antwerp, with the game available to watch live on the TG4 Player.