Tine De Caigny fired Belgium to a 1-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland.
The 23-year-old forward struck after 14 minutes for her 26th international goal and that effort proved sufficient for the hosts, who were able to hold out for a clean sheet and the win.
FULL-TIME | 🇧🇪 1-0 🇮🇪
Brought to you by @AVIVAIRELAND
Ireland can be proud of this performance against a team ranked 17th in the world
Debuts for Alli Murphy & Hayley Nolan plus lots of positive play 👍#BELIRL | #COYGIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/PnFm4gA7xx— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) April 11, 2021
Belgium seized on an early foul from Vera Pauw's side for what proved the decisive goal.
Ruesha Littlejohn took down Laura Deloose on the right-hand side, conceding a free-kick in a dangerous area. De Caigny nipped in front of the defence from the resulting cross and volleyed into the net.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH | 🇧🇪 1-0 🇮🇪
Brought to you by Carlsberg
A great display by Heather Payne 👏#BELIRL | #COYGIG | #WeAreOne pic.twitter.com/yR0fo2yEsu— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) April 11, 2021
Pauw had made six changes from Thursday’s 1-0 home friendly defeat at the hands of Denmark.
But just as in that encounter, the Irish leaked an early goal and could not find a route back into the contest.
