Ireland stun world number two Belgium with victory in Antwerp

Belgium had beaten Ireland 5-1 on Saturday. 

Goalkeeper Jaime Carr was outstanding for Ireland in the victory over Belgium. Pic: ©INPHO/Frank Uijlenbroek

FIH Pro League: Belgium 2 Ireland 3

The Irish men's hockey team picked up their first win in the 2024/25 FIH Pro League, beating world number two ranked Belgium in Antwerp. A penalty stroke save from Jaime Carr kept Ireland in the game in the first half, before a Louis Rowe goal from open play and a brace of penalty corners from Lee Cole put Ireland out of reach.

Ireland, defeated by the same opposition 5-1 on Saturday, got the game underway and began with a clear purpose as they took the game to Belgium immediately mounting a number of attacking phases. Belgium would soon take control, camping themselves inside the Irish defensive half as they looked to create their first chance of the game. A penalty corner would provide that chance after seven minutes, which forced a routine stop from Fergus Gibson on the goal line following an Alexander Hendrikx flick.

A rare mistake at the back with two minutes remaining in the first quarter put Ben Ryder under pressure, his tackle resulting in a penalty stroke. Hendrikx stepped up to face Gantoise teammate Carr, and Carr guessed correctly to save his second penalty stroke in as many games to keep Ireland level at the end of the first quarter.

The biggest chance of the game came eight minutes into the second quarter, a penalty corner from Tom Boon calling Kyle Marshall into action to save on the goal line, followed by Jaime Carr to save from the follow up to keep the teams all square. Ireland opted to refer, asking of the ball crossed the goal line during Carr’s save, but the video umpire verified that it didn’t, and Belgium lost their referral.

Ireland continued to be pinned back by Belgium, unable to find a way into their opposition’s half. The pressure would eventually result in a penalty corner for Belgium which again Carr was alert to make a smart double save.

The sides went into half-time still locked at 0-0.

Ireland started the second half with the same intensity as they started the game, sensing the opportunity that the current scoreline afforded. A deadly run down the right-hand side from Fergus Gibson saw him get past a handful of opposition players and squeeze a ball into Louis Rowe who smashed past Simon Vandenbroucke to break the deadlock.

Belgium had a response a few minutes later from penalty corners, the first stopped by first runner Matthew Nelson who bravely put his body on the line, followed by another save from the outstanding Jaime Carr and clearance from Peter McKibbin.

Ireland continued to look dangerous on the counter, first launch an attack down the right which Belgium snuffed out, followed by a great run from Sean Murray which resulted in a penalty corner. Ireland went direct from the penalty corner through Lee Cole whose flick was too powerful for Vandenbroucke, doubling Ireland’s lead with two minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Belgium began the final quarter with a real purpose, calling Carr into action after two minutes. The home side would eventually get their goal, Nicolas De Kerpel beating a player and shooting past Carr from the right side of the circle. Ireland were given a perfect period to regain their composure, when goal scorer De Kerpel was given a green card for dissent, following repeated infringements from Belgium.

The pressure continued to come from Belgium, with Carr denying Tom Boon on his reverse stick and the Irish defenders having to defend bravely to maintain their lead.

A rapid counter-attack from Ireland with just over two minutes remaining ended with Matthew Nelson winning a penalty corner, providing them an opportunity to restore their lead and run down the clock. Lee Cole stepped up once again and flicked to the opposite post to almost ensure the win for Ireland.

Belgium pulled their goalkeeper with two minutes remaining, allowing them to score right on the hooter, Thomas Crols getting a consolation for Belgium.

“It was nice to bounce back after yesterday, we were very disappointed [with the performance] as a team," said player of the match Carr. 

"I was happy to contribute a little bit to that. Defensively that was a much better performance, and where we wanted to be.” 

Discussing how being a Belgian League player is an advantage to him, Carr said: "I know quite a few of the guys. I think it definitely helps but they’re all world class players, even as much as I know them, they are still top quality so it’s nice to get a win over a team like that.”

Ireland will player Australia in their next FIH Pro League match on Tuesday, June 17 at 2pm Irish Time with the game available to watch live on the TG4 player.