Spain defeat leaves Ireland men's Hockey team facing play-off to reach Olympics

Spain qualified for this summer’s Olympics with a deserved 2-0 victory to consign Mark Tumilty’s side to a play-off match against Belgium or Korea on Sunday.

PLAY-OFF BOUND: Lee Cole of Ireland in action against Alejandro Alonso of Spain. Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Sportsfile

Ireland men followed their women counterparts into a weekend win or bust match for Paris 2024 after Spain qualified for this summer’s Olympics with a deserved 2-0 victory.

In a telling four-minute spell in the third quarter, Rafael Vilallonga and captain Marc Miralles scored from penalty corner hits to consign Mark Tumilty’s side to a play-off match against Belgium or Korea on Sunday.