Belgian defeat sees Ireland's World Cup dream come to end
Ireland's Women's World Cup hockey campaign ended following a 2-1 loss to host nation Belgium. Despite an early lead, Ireland conceded two goals in the second half, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.
Why it matters
The result marks the end of a major international tournament run for the Irish team, shifting their focus to consolation matches.
Ireland's Women's World Cup dream is over after a 2-1 defeat to host nation Belgium following a gutsy display in the Belfius Hockey Arena.
A first-half goal from Charlotte Beggs had the Girls in Green ahead at half-time as Belgium looked somewhat stunned by the challenge presented by the Irish side.
Beggs finished at the back post following Roisin Upton's shot from a short corner and it was 1-0 Ireland with two minutes of the first quarter left to play.
As the second half got underway, Belgium showed renewed purpose and pinned the Irish into their own third of the pitch for that third period - but the goal they wanted never came as top class goalkeeping from Liz Murphy and some backs-to-the-wall defending by the likes of Michelle Carey, Upton and Kate Mullan.
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