Marshall turns attention to GB after Germany loss

Ireland's Jonathan Lynch (left) and Great Britain's Phil Roper battle for the ball. Pic: Rhianna Chadwick, PA Wire.

Ireland’s Kyle Marshall says the Green Machine are ready for a “crunch” clash against Great Britain on Thursday night as they bid to stave off Pro League relegation.

Ireland went down 3-0 on Wednesday night to Germany but improved considerably from their 7-0 drubbing on Sunday against the world champions.

Ireland hadn’t beaten Germany since 2018 and, for large portions of this penultimate test match before the Paris Olympics, had looked set to record an upset thanks to solid ball retention and an eye for a counterattack.

However, a clear-cut penalty stroke, clinical penalty corner and a breakaway goal at the death left Ireland searching for a must-win against hosts Great Britain.

Marshall said: “We were probably the better of the sides in the circle but when it came to crunch time, they came out on top when it mattered.

“It’s a nice place to find ourselves in [against GB] and we will learn a bit about ourselves. Crunch games could mean potential Olympic quarter-finals. This is something to look forward to and the group will grasp that.” 

Gifting too many turnover balls from their weekend drubbing, Ireland tightened up and held possession for large swathes.

However, it was Germany who took the lead in fierce fashion. Gonzalo Peillat sent a flick into Kyle Marshall’s elbow in the 36th minute and Timm Herzbruch flicked high past David Harte from the resulting penalty stroke.

As the third quarter closed, Peillat, at 31 still one of the world’s best dragflickers, beat Harte with an accurate corner flick into the backboard.

Then, with 60 seconds left, Alex Stadler twice saved an Irish penalty corner. 

Germany broke clear and, seconds later, Thies Prinz had the ball in the net.

Ireland coach Mark Tumilty said: “There was huge progress, we were excellent in the first-half and had some of the best hockey we’ve played. At this level we are finding out what you do in the circle really counts. It was another tough lesson.

“If we can get three points against GB it might give us a chance of staying in the Pro League. GB have been really clinical and it's a challenge we have to embrace.

“If we can stay in the Pro League it will be huge for our programme.”