Men’s Olympic qualification: Ireland loses 4-2 to Belgium in second pool match in Valencia

Olympic champions Belgium proved too strong for Ireland, losing 4-2 in the second pool match of the Olympic qualifiers in Valencia.

Ireland never backed down and took the game to Belgium, but the team ranked second in the world was always in control.

In the end, their excellent workmanship determined the outcome.

Although Ireland lost, they are in second place in their pool, ahead of Japan on goal difference.

Japan defeated Ukraine 5-2 from a 2-0 deficit. That means a draw with Japan on Wednesday would be enough for Ireland to advance to the semi-finals and give them two chances to qualify for this summer’s Paris Olympics.

Belgium started the game with their usual smooth passing and movement, but Ireland defended well and conceded only one goal, to Felix Denayer, who managed to heave the puck from a narrow angle over a fallen Davey Harte.

In the second quarter, Shane O’Donoghue saved a penalty corner and after some fine play Tim Cross will be left wondering how he missed the target from close range.

Belgium punished Ireland’s wayward finishing with Alexander Hendricks scoring his 100th international goal from his team’s first penalty corner.

Ireland did not phase and just over a minute later Ben Johnson turned inside the circle and fired home his second goal in two games.

Ireland were looking to equalize, but with 57 seconds left in the half they turned the ball over and in the blink of an eye William Ghislain produced a world-class finish. His brilliant strike caught Hart in the air and made it 3-1 at the interval.

Belgium extended their lead early in the third quarter with a goal from Thibault Stockbroker, but Ireland did not give up, giving up the ball to their opponents but fighting back with increased pace, with Matthew Nelson profiting in the final quarter. , he put Jeremy Duncan’s pass in front of goal. near the post.

“I’m happy with the performance. We weathered the storm a little bit in the first quarter when they were very sharp and scored two goals, but we just lost concentration just before half-time and we got back on track. Ta”

Coach Mark Tumilty said: “It was disappointing to concede so early in the second half, but we controlled the rest of the game really well and I’m glad we scored in the final minute.”

“I think we knew going into this tournament that it was going to be a game that we thought Ukraine could win, but then Japan was going to be an important game.

“The positive thing for me is that we had a bigger goal difference today and gave ourselves a chance to draw the game, but I won’t focus on that.

“We want to play attractive hockey. We want to attack and take on Japan’s game. We want to play on the front foot and see if we can take the game to our opponents.”