Ireland 0-0 Belgium
Ireland opened their Olympic qualifying pool A with a close goalless draw against 2023 European silver medalist Belgium in Spain.
Ireland was ranked 13th in the world and their opponent was ranked 4th, so they were under constant pressure, but they showed their determination to keep Belgium at bay.
Charlotte Engelbert forced a penalty corner after just 20 seconds. This was the first of nine corners awarded against Ireland in the first half. But Ireland’s defense, led by Lena Neale, Hannah McLoughlin and Roisin Upton, and backstopped by player of the match Aisha McFerren, was not only good in the first quarter, but also in the second and third quarters. I was able to hold out.
Ireland faced off for much of the first half but remained scoreless until half-time as McFerren kept Ireland in the match with several saves, including a double save from a penalty corner.
Ireland had significant possession in the third quarter, but were unable to create many clear-cut chances.
It wasn’t until the 40th minute that Ireland were awarded their first penalty corner, but Belgian stand-in goalkeeper Herode Picard was denied both Chloe Watkins’ shot and Beth Harper’s rebound attempt. It didn’t move.
Ireland made good use of the video introduction early in the game, twice having penalty corners overturned in the process.
However, neither team seemed able to take advantage of acquiring additional players. Belgium had one player green carded in the 34th minute, and Ireland had three players green carded at various stages of the second quarter, but remained scoreless.
There was drama in his death. With six seconds remaining, Belgium claimed the ball hit Ireland’s leg inside the semicircle and asked for a video inquiry. The video inquiry was inconclusive, so Belgium had to face a free out and lost the video inquiry.
The final whistle rang shortly thereafter, but neither team was able to disturb the scoreboard.
It’s a very welcome point for Ireland, who play Ukraine on Monday before completing their pool game against Japan.
Ireland head coach Sean Dancer said: “Belgium are a great team, dominating the game especially in the first half, but in the third quarter they got a little better and created some chances.” “Ireland performed well in the second half.”
Ireland: Aisha McFerren, Bethany Harper, Elena Neal, Hannah McLoughlin, Katie McKee, Sarah Hawkshaw, Charlotte Beggs, Katie Mullan (c), Deirdre Duke, Naomi Carroll.
sub: Niamh Carey (3), Chloe Watkins (3), Sarah McCauley (4), Michelle Carey (7), Sarah Torrance (7), Roisin Upton (7).
Belgium: Aisling Duguet, Justine Lachir, Alix Gernier, Judith Vandermeiren, Emma Pouvres, Louise Versabel, Vanessa Brockmans, Michel Struijk, Hélène Bracheur, Stéphanie Vandenboer, Charlotte Engelbert.
sub: Elodie Picard (31), Ambre Ballengen (3), Barbara Nelen (4), Camille Bellis (4), Leanne Hillewaert (5), Abi Ray (5).