Ireland stand their ground in Belgium

Belgium 1 Ireland 1: There was nothing to choose between the two sides in the dress rehearsal for Sunday’s Athlon Car Lease …

Belgium 1 Ireland 1:There was nothing to choose between the two sides in the dress rehearsal for Sunday's Athlon Car Lease FIH Road to London tournament in Kontich, Belgium.

The hosts stay top of the group but second-placed Ireland will know a result in the showpiece in two days’ time and thus a place at London 2012 is within their grasp.

Belgium took the lead through Jill Boon when she converted a ninth minute penalty, but Ireland levelled 12 minutes left in the half when Chloe Watkins tapped in an equalizer.

Belgium pushed hard after the break but could not find the breakthrough against Gene Muller’s resilient side.

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The result leaves the hosts top on goal difference but it will mean nothing if Ireland can go that one step further on Sunday.