BELGIUM band Ireland, who finished fourth and fifth in the European Championship in Dublin 18 months ago, meet in Kuala Lumpur today in a key opening match of the men's hockey World Cup qualifying tournament. What happens this evening is bound to have a big effect on whether the Irish side can go on to reach the finals in Utrecht next year.

The situation is much like it was in the preliminary competition in Cagliari in the autumn when it was vital that Ireland gained three points from their initial assignment - and they held their nerve to beat Scotland 2-1, which was the start of a record six pool wins in a row.

Ireland, cannot hope for such success here against more powerful opposition. Belgium, though, are of much the same rating. While they excelled in Dublin, notably in eclipsing Spain, they can be broken down by a concentrated and patient approach.

It will be important to curb their playmaker, Marc Caudron. But it will not be clear who has that role until Cees Koppelaar settles the Irish team down to their task.

It is possible that 20-year-old Lee Tumilty, so assured in a left midfield berth in Cagliari, will be given the responsibility of the central pivotal position, flanked by Daniel Clarke and Alastair Dunne, with the captain Alan Dowd switching to his most effective post of centre-back.

These alterations may well be necessitated, to a degree, by the non-participation in training over the past week of the incapacitated Robbie Taylor who, however, could make an invaluable entrance to the arena as the short-corner striker. It will be recalled that he was top marksman in Sardinia.

In one of the three changes from that party, it is likely also that Mark Tumilty (brother of Lee) will earn his first cap, providing a free-running attack with Chris Jackson and David McAnulty.

With 10 members of the European Cup squad still in action, Ireland can feel hopeful not only of foiling Belgium, but also of picking up sufficient points in other Pool B games to keep in the running for qualification.

As always, of course, there is a very fineline between success and failure. Probably, the tropical conditions, and how the players cope with them, will be a considerable factor.

"I hope it clouds over when we are playing" was the final comment of manager George Compston last night, though, in fact, the Ireland team is one of the best-prepared for all eventualities.

Ready, too, for immediate involvement is Dublin's Olympic umpire Ray O'Connor who, having officiated in the Atlanta final last year, is honoured, with Peter von Reth of Holland, by being given charge of today's first match, between Malaysia and Poland.