Ireland stun Belgium for first win in Pro League

BBC News

15-06-2025

Ireland have stunned world number two side Belgium in the FIH Pro League in Antwerp.Goalkeeper Jamie Carr saved a penalty stroke in the first half before Louis Rowe and Lee Cole gave Ireland a two-goal advantage.Nicolas De Kerpel responded for Belgium, however Cole landed his second penalty corner and 's side had enough to hold on despite Thomas Crols' effort.It is a first win in the 2024-25 campaign for Ireland and it came a day after Belgium ran out 5-1 winners in the first game between the sides. "It was nice to bounce back after yesterday, we were very disappointed [with the performance] as a team," said Carr. "I was happy to contribute a little bit to that. Defensively that was a much better performance, and where we wanted to be."We beat Belgium twice [in Antwerp] last year, but we have been struggling to get over the line this year. It's nice to get a win on the board."
Carr saves set up Irish win
After dominating the game a day before against an Ireland side without a victory, Belgium were heavy favourites in Sunday's game and had the perfect chance to take the lead when Ben Ryder gave away a penalty.However, Carr guessed correctly and denied his club team-mate Alexander Hendrikx to keep the scores level in the opening quarter.Ireland then took a shock lead early in the second half when Fergus Gibson worked some space down the right and he found Rowe, who smashed home to break the deadlock. Belgium immediately searched for a response and Carr was again called into action, but it was the underdogs who extended their advantage when Cole flicked home a penalty corner. The pressure from the hosts finally told when De Kerpel shot past Carr two minutes later, and the Irish goalkeeper denied Tom Boon as Belgium flew forward. However, some good work by Matthew Nelson allowed Cole to convert his second penalty corner of the match, and the Irish held on despite Crols' late effort.