Katie McCabe was on target twice as the Republic of Ireland beat Belgium 4-2 in Dublin
Katie McCabe scored twice as the Republic of Ireland beat Belgium in the first leg of their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off in Dublin.
Playing at the Aviva Stadium for only the fifth time in their history the hosts led 1-0 at the break thanks to a penalty from McCabe.
Tessa Wullaert levelled in the second half before Carla Ward's side produced an incredible response with three goals in 13 minutes.
McCabe replied one minute later as her effort was deflected in off the back of Belgian goalkeeper Nicky Evrard. She added a third with a thunderous effort from the edge of the area, before turning the provider as Marissa Sheva added a fourth.
Marie Detruyer did grab a late second goal for Belgium to reduce the deficit ahead of Tuesday's second leg in Leuven.
Ward's side will take huge confidence into that game, as they look to return to the top tier of the Nations League which would also secure the back-up of a play-off spot for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers.
Goals galore in Dublin
Marissa Sheva celebrates after scoring
The Republic were keen to make home advantage count from the outset with Denise O'Sullivan and Kyra Carusa combining to set up Emily Murphy, but the Newcastle striker could only direct the ball wide at full stretch.
Following a period of pressure and successive corners from the hosts, the visitors had a chance of their own with Laura Deloose fizzing wide of the far post.
However, the deadlock would be broken on the stroke of half-time as Jessie Stapleton's effort was blocked in the area by the hand of Mariam Toloba, prompting referee Franziska Wildfeuer to award the penalty.
McCabe stepped up and sent Evrard the wrong way, rolling the ball into the bottom right-hand corner, giving Ward's side a deserved lead at the break.
Belgium were level on 52 minutes with a goal out of nothing as Wullaert dinked over goalkeeper Grace Moloney, who had found herself too far off her line.
The Republic's response was immediate, as from the next attack, McCabe's effort from the right cannoned off the post and the back of Evrard to restore the lead.
Nine minutes later, O'Sullivan found Murphy down the channel and despite being inside the box, showed composure to find McCabe on the age of the area who rifled home.
She would then turn provider in the 66th minute, as her corner was only cleared as far as Sheva unleashed an unmerciful left-footed effort to give the hosts a 4-1 lead.
Belgium pulled one back as substitute Detruyer took advantage of some slack defending the to fire home from the edge of the area.
The teams will meet again in Leuven on Tuesday at 19:30 GMT.
