'Pride' but Belgium fight back to end Ireland's World Cup dream

Kathryn Mullan of Ireland is consoled by Emma Puvrez of Belgium. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Belgium 2 Ireland 1 

Belgium's Emma Puvrez admitted ahead of last night's encounter that Ireland women “were always a difficult opponent but we have faced tougher challenges than this", as they looked to avoid defeat and progress in their home World Cup.

What the world No.3 side hadn’t countered on was facing an Irish defence, laced with key counter attacks, which summoned one of its finest performances before Belgium somehow found a way past a Green Army wall to reach the final eight.

Belgium prevailed 2-1, scoring twice in the last 11 minutes - their second coming in the last seconds with an empty goal - after Charlotte Beggs had given Ireland a deserved, if surprising, second quarter lead.

For 36 minutes they held out for the lead they needed. Ireland matched Belgium in midfield, produced circle penetration but it was Lizzy Murphy and her defence who put in a world-class shift to savour in defeat.

“I don’t think you can fault anyone on that team, every single player put in the biggest fight ever,” said Murphy, holding back the tears. “I don’t think anyone would put it past us that we would be leading for that long.

“I am incredibly proud, everyone put their bodies on the line. This will hurt, but will give us an immense amount of confidence going into the next round.” 

Instead of Argentina and Germany, Ireland will now play Scotland and the USA in their first classification matches as they bid to finish ninth.

But what a challenge this was for Belgium from the off. There was turnover ball aplenty during an error-strewn first quarter. Ball possession was meant to be Belgium's forte, but Ireland sensed openings.

Gareth Grundie’s side were also offering their own intent and forward Katie Mullan won Ireland's first penalty corner after Belgium stepped in late from an aerial.

Róisín Upton's resulting penalty corner was slapped centrally and Niamh Carey nudged into the net, but a video review adjudged a back stick in the build up.

On Ireland’s third corner in a row, Hannah McLoughlin again went direct and Beggs tapped in from a rebound.

In an expansive, free-flowing game, Murphy was now coming into the game with a block and then a superb reflex glove save over the bar.

For all Ireland’s defending, chances also continued in the Red Panthers circle. In the second quarter, Ireland were denied a penalty stroke after a Belgian block and another video referral. It proved the correct call, with the ball not going towards goal.

Belgium went towards Ireland’s net in a frenetic, edgy and physical third quarter. Ireland’s defenders were under the cosh throughout but somehow they had held out before the hooter.

Belgium continued constant circle pressure into the final quarter. After smart work on the right, space opened at the top of the D and Charlotte Englebert's low forehand thudded the backboard.

Murphy was then taken off late on and Ambre Ballenghien slotted home to ease the pressure for the only time in the match for the hosts.