Valiant performances by Ireland as both men and women teams fall just short in World Cup bid
There was double heartbreak for Ireland at the Hockey World Cup as both the men and women’s teams failed to qualify for the higher phase of the competition.
However, the women gave it an almighty good go at completing that task as they pushed hosts Belgium all the way in their final pool encounter.
Ireland held a first-period advantage through Charlotte Beggs’ goal and they were then denied a penalty stroke before half-time, which could have strengthened their lead.
Belgium, who are ranked world number three, put severe pressure on Ireland and it finally paid off as the Red Panthers scored twice in the final eleven minutes to secure the 2-1 win they needed to top Pool C.
The result means Ireland will now move to Pool H where they will face Scotland (Saturday) and the USA (Monday) to determine which final ranking match they will play in.
Ireland captain Sarah Hawkshaw said: “You get sick of saying we are that close when we are recording 2-1 scorelines against top 3 teams in the world.
"Incredibly proud for the fight that we showed, I don’t think there were many people in this stadium who thought we could have a chance against this team and we showed how relentless we are.”
Meanwhile, having secured a resounding win over South Africa on Tuesday, Ireland men entered their final Pool C outing needing just a point against Spain to secure a top-two finish and remain in the hunt for a semi-final place.
Having gone a goal behind, Ireland’s Lee Cole converted calmy from the spot to draw Ireland level. Spain however mounted a final quarter push, scoring twice to secure the win and take second place in Pool C.
Speaking after the game, head coach Mark Tumilty said: “This is the challenge for us; breaking into that Top 8.
"I don’t think we could have asked for any more from the lads today. We knew they [Spain] were going to come out really hard in the second half, and a really clinical third goal was the killer.
"We were in it at that stage. Did everything go our way? No, but that is sport at this level.”
Ireland moved into Pool H which started with a 7-3 victory against Malaysia. A game against France is up next on Sunday.