Kookaburras hand Belgium their first FIH Pro League defeat of the season

The Kookaburras have claimed one of their biggest victories of the FIH Pro League season, defeating Belgium 2-1 in Wavre to hand the hosts their first loss of the campaign.

Australia produced a disciplined defensive display and showed plenty of composure under pressure, overturning a second-half deficit to claim back-to-back victories in Europe.

Scoring opportunities were at a premium throughout the opening half as both sides struggled to break through resolute defensive structures.

Australian goalkeeper Ash Thomas was outstanding between the posts, producing a string of crucial saves to deny the Belgian attack and keep the scores level.

The opening quarter ended scoreless before another tight second quarter saw neither side find the breakthrough, with the teams heading into halftime locked at 0-0.

Belgium finally broke the deadlock early in the third quarter when Tom Boon capitalised on a loose ball inside the circle to give the home side a 1-0 advantage.

The Kookaburras continued to apply pressure through a series of penalty corners and were eventually rewarded when Jack Welch unleashed a powerful drag flick to the left of Belgian goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch to level the scores before the final break.

With the momentum swinging Australia's way, Cooper Burns produced a brilliant run down the right flank to earn another penalty corner midway through the fourth quarter. The opportunity was clinically finished by Nathan Ephraums, who perfectly deflected home a well-worked variation in the 50th minute to give the Kookaburras the lead.

Australia's defence stood firm throughout the closing stages, with Thomas again producing key saves as the Kookaburras held on for an impressive 2-1 victory.

With another composed display between the posts, Thomas was instrumental in keeping the Kookaburras in the contest before they mounted their comeback. His efforts earned him a second consecutive Player of the Match award, with the goalkeeper saying the squad's recent performances are another important step towards next year's World Cup.

"This is about learning for us. It's about building towards the World Cup and it's been a really promising couple of days, so we want to keep that going for the next four days," Thomas said.

The victory continues the Kookaburras' strong form in Belgium as they prepare for the final matches of their European FIH Pro League campaign.

Watch the replay here.

Australia Goals:

• Jack Welch (36th minute)
• Nathan Ephraums (50th minute)

The Kookaburras now prepare for the next FIH Pro League challenge when they face off against the Netherlands on Saturday.

Catch it live and free on 7plus.