Ireland face must-win Euro clash with Italy

Ireland failed to challenge a classy Spanish side in the Boys U18 Eurohockey Championship as they were whitewashed 5-0 yesterday at Garryduff. The hosts now face Italy today in a must-win clash.

Spain were a lot more dynamic than Ireland in attack and their efforts were rewarded after just nine minutes when Alejandro Alvarez got the scoring under way.

They had the game wrapped up before half-time as Enrique Zorita, Alvaro Tello and Sam Cortes found the back of the net.