IRELAND 1 – 2 BELGIUM
Saturday, December 13: Ireland almost staged a comeback against World #3 Belgium in the FIH Hockey Pro League in Dublin. Having trailed 2-0 at the break to two penalty corners in the opening quarter, Ireland pulled a goal back through Sarah Torrans in the third quarter. But Ireland couldn’t get the goal needed in the closing stages to force another shootout, and Belgium secured their fourth win of four in Dublin.
Belgium started the brighter of the sides with momentum behind them as they entered their final tie with an unbeaten record. Ruthlessness from penalty corners saw Belgium open the scoring from a penalty corner, with Aoife Glennon saving the first effort but Charlotte Englebert was on hand to get onto the loose ball and fire into the net.
Alix Gerniers doubled Belgium’s lead before the end of quarter 1, getting a deft touch from another penalty to direct the ball out of Glennon’s reach.
Belgium remained the side in control in quarter 2, with two more penalty corners offering them opportunities to get their third, but Ireland defended well to deny them.
Ireland found their feet in the second quarter, pressing Belgium higher and more intensely as they looked to find a way back into the game. Michelle Carey won Ireland’s first penalty corner, finding a Belgian foot in the circle. Lisa Mulcahy delivered an inviting ball towards the back post which just evaded the onrushing Carey and Torrans.
Ireland got the goal they deserved for their efforts, captain Sarah Hawkshaw doing superbly in the circle to get some space and shoot at goal, with Sarah Torrans on hand to give the ball the touch it needed to find the back of the net.
Ireland continued to push in the final quarter, almost creating a perfect opportunity at goal when Michelle Carey found a pass to Katie Mullan who’s first time pass to Sarah Torrans just evaded the goalscorer. Belgium held out to secure their fourth win of four in Dublin and continue their perfect start to the FIH Hockey Pro League Season 7.