Ireland’s FIH Hockey World Cup qualification campaign started brightly with a 5-2 victory over Canada in Santiago.
Goals from Adam McAllister, Jonny Lynch, Jeremy Duncan and two strikes from Lee Cole sealed the three points.
It was Canada who made a bright start to the game and won the first penalty corner, but goalkeeper Jaime Carr was quick to thwart the chance.
At the other end, Matthew Nelson and Duncan both sent efforts just wide in the opening quarter.
Ireland grew into the game and broke the deadlock when Adam McAllister’s low shot found the bottom corner.
Canada goalkeeper Ethan McTavish then made a good save to deny a quick second goal when Ben Walk sent an effort towards goal.
In the second quarter, Ben Walker turned at the edge of the circle to find space and passed across to Jonny Lynch, who converted from close range to give Ireland a 2-0 lead at the break.
Ireland continued their positive form after the restart and Walker remained lively and nearly turned provider for Greg Williams, but a smart save from McTavish denied them a third goal.
Williams would assist Ireland’s third goal though after finding Duncan, who pulled the ball through his own legs and into the back of the net.
Canada closed the advantage early in the final quarter from a penalty corner, but Ireland quickly cancelled it out thanks to a Lee Cole penalty corner.
Canada were able to register their second of the afternoon through open play before, once again, Ireland responded quicky through another Cole penalty stroke.
Ireland face Korea in their next qualifying match on Tuesday, March (14.15 GMT).
