Ireland’s EuroHockey hopes rocked by shock defeat to France

Defeat leaves Ireland’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals resting on beating hosts Germany by a two-goal margin tomorrow night.

Ireland's Katie Mullan said her side "should take a hard look at ourselves in attack". They failed to convert any of the 13 penalty corner opportunities which they had against France. Pic: ©INPHO/Frank Uijlenbroek

Ireland women’s EuroHockey campaign was left hanging by a thread after a lacklustre 1-0 defeat against France where 13 penalty corners went begging and they twice hit the post.

A feast of Irish goals over a 13-year unbeaten record against the French completely deserted them in Monchengladbach, as Mathilde Duffrene’s second-half penalty corner proved the difference while goalkeeper Lucie Ehrmann produced an outstanding display to thwart Ireland’s forward lines.