Ireland come up short against Spain in World Cup bid

The Irish will face Malaysia on Friday afternoon in the first of the classification matches.

Ireland’s Alistair Empey dejected after the game. Pic: INPHO/Will Palmer

Hockey World Cup Pool C:

Spain 3 Ireland 1

Ireland’s quest to break through against the top eight sides in world hockey fell agonisingly short in Wavre as Spain’s passing game and clinical circle firepower paid dividends in this tight final group match.

With the game locked at 1-1 and Ireland needing a draw to advance, the Green Machine were 13 minutes away from an historic last eight berth at a men’s World Cup, but a telling last quarter saw Marc Reyne score a superb double as Spain prevailed 3-1.

There will be little time to dwell on this defeat, with Ireland facing Malaysia on Friday afternoon in the first of the classification matches. It will still represent an important mini tournament as Ireland attempt to finish ninth and a best-ever finish at a World Cup.

“It’s a challenge for ourselves and other nations trying to break into the top eight and records show it doesn’t happen too often,” said Mark Tumilty, Ireland’s coach.

“It’s not through lack of trying but we can see their quality and the finish for the third goal was excellent. It was an opportunity and we are proud to have had that opportunity.

“It will be nice to look back to the fact that we are the highest-ranked Irish team but we are disappointed at the moment.” 

World No.6 Spain had started brightly and a direct counter move led to their opener. With Ireland unable to clear, the ball was fed across goal and Nicholas Alvarez nudged into the net.

Ireland then cleared off the line with Spain's third penalty corner as the first quarter ended. But Spain's momentum was overturned with immediate Irish attacks in the second quarter.

Following two penalty corners, Ireland were rewarded for their circle endeavours with a penalty stroke for an illegal block. Lee Cole, in the 19th minute, pushed high into the net.

With Spain's stick skills and quick running, Ireland were still winning midfield battles and turnovers as they sought the killer blow to leave Spain chasing the game.

Instead, it was left to a fifth corner for Spain to make the breakthrough when Reyne pounced and volleyed on a rebound.

Reyne left Ireland needing two goals six minutes later with a fizzing, world-class finish on the backhand. Jaime Carr had no time to lift his gloves.

Ireland then couldn’t find the necessary circle possession to set up a frenetic ending as Tumilty opted to keep on Carr in goal instead of the extra outfielder.

“We needed to get more out of the second quarter when we were on top without really working their keeper,” added Tumilty.

“We tried to chase the game a bit which left us a little bit open.” This defeat was their 15th in their last 16 matches against Spain.

A dejected Johnny McKee admitted: “We really put up a good fight and played a fantastic team.

“At 1-1 we maybe found a trap by not playing as forward as much. We had a few big chances to put us in front but they punished us when they took the opportunity.”