Ireland 5 Belgium 4

Ireland won their opening encounter against Belgium in a thrilling 5-4 game earlier today in Valencia.
Ireland got off to a great start in the first minute when Ian Sloan scored from open play. Belgium equalised in the 19th minute when they pounced on a rebound from David Harte's pads to make it 1-1.
Ireland took a 2-1 lead in the 24th minute when Michael Watt enjoyed a similar goal to the Belgian's capitalising on a rebound from the keeper's pads. Just 3minutes later Belgium equalised off a scrambled attack scoring at close range. Ireland had an opportunity to take the lead before the break when they secured a penalty corner on the final hooter but the Belgians kept calm and cleared the shot well.
Half Time Score: Ireland 2-2 Belgium
The Belgians took the lead for the first time in the 38th minute when Reckinger scored a penalty corner drag flick. But it was an on form Ian Sloan who scored once again for Ireland to make it 3-3. Ireland took the lead once again when Chris Cargo made it 4-3 in the 51st minute when he followed up on a reverse stick shot to tap in at the back post. Belgium were unlucky not to equalise in the 54th minute when their penalty corner attempt was denied by the woodwork and despite further Belgian opportunities on the penalty corner front it was Timmy Cockram who gave Ireland a 5-3 lead in the 65th minute with his trademark dragflick.
Belgium got one back in the 69th minute but Ireland ran down the clock to ensure the win.
Ireland 5 (2) Ian Sloan x 2; Michael Watt; Timmy Cockram; Chris Cargo
Belgium 4 (2)
Starting XI: David Harte; John Jackson; Paul Gleghorne; Conor Harte; Stuart Loughrey; Eugene Magee; Ian Sloan; David Ames; Michael Watt; Timmy Cockram; Mitch Darling

Reserves: Chris Cargo; Bruce McCandless; Phelie Maguire; Gareth Watkins; Shane O'Donoghue (all used)

Irish Hockey Association media release