Belgium 5-1 Ireland
World No 2-ranked Belgium outmuscled Ireland in the first match of the final FIH Pro League stage in Antwerp on Saturday.
A Tom Boon hat-trick put the home side out of reach despite a super performance from Ireland goalkeeper Jaime Carr. Banbridge's Louis Rowe nicked a consolation goal for the Green Machine.
Belgium threatened early on, having a goal disallowed inside the first five minutes, followed by a couple of efforts from Boon.
However Boon, the current FIH Pro League top scorer, would soon break the deadlock, volleying in from a Nelson Onana pass.
Belgium continued to control the first quarter, generating several circle entries.
Ireland started the second quarter quiet well, but Belgium soon reasserted their authroity.
Thibeau Stockbroekx added a second goal, reacting quickest after a save from Carr to find the back of the net.
The Belgian press continued to cause problems it the late stages of the first half, with a turnover in midfield forcing another save from Carr.
A penalty corner late in the first half resulted in a third for Belgium, Boon getting his second of the match and 16th of the competition.
Rowe did get one back early in the second half, calmly lifting the ball over Loic Van Doren.
And they almost had a second just a few minutes after. Johnny McKee drove into the circle and found Ali Empey on the penalty spot but his effort was saved by Van Doren.
Belgium responded though. when Roman Duvekot finished off a slick attacking move to restore the three-goal lead in the closing stages of the third quarter.
The final quarter began in a frantic fashion, as Ireland looked to find a way back into the game, and Belgium tried to put it out of reach. A couple of chances for Belgium were well defended by Ireland, with Peter McKibbin putting his body on the line on one occasion.
But Boon finally got his hat-trick, striking into the net in the 50th minute.
Ireland will play Belgium again on Sunday (2.30pm Irish time) in the second of their six games in Antwerp.
