Rio Olympics in touching distance as Ireland stun Pakistan

Ireland 1 Pakistan 0: Alan Sothern’s 46th-minute goal moved Ireland within touching distance of Olympic qualification as they saw off Pakistan 1-0 yesterday in Antwerp.

An incredible result, Ireland had never previously beaten the Asian side in 10 prior meetings, formally denying them a place at the Olympics for the first time since the country’s formation.

In a World League Round 3 tournament of brave performances producing minimal outcomes, Craig Fulton’s side got the little rubs of the green to record a famous win.