Crucial double header awaits Irish hockey as men’s team lose out to Spain
Ireland players during the clash against Spain
Irish hockey is set for a double header weekend of two crucial win or bust matches for Paris 2024 qualification after the men lost out to Spain 2-0 on Friday.
Ireland men followed the women’s team into bronze medal matches - and the final tickets on offer for this summer’s Olympics - as Spain prevailed with two second-half penalty corner goals. Spain have now qualified for every Games since 1960.
In a match-turning third quarter spell, Rafael Vilallonga and captain Marc Miralles scored from the top of the circle within four minutes of each other to record their seventh win in a row over Ireland, who will now play either Belgium or Korea on Sunday.
It had started well for Ireland. The Green Machine had a strong opening quarter before Spain found dominant ball possession and never let up thereafter.
Spain’s quick and offloading passes nearly summoned the opening goal. Four rapid passes nearly let in Ignacio Rodriguez at the far post, with goalkeeper David Harte going to ground.
With the last move of the first quarter, Harte then launched a crunching tackle on Jose Basterra who tumbled over the Cork stopper and the ball spun clear.
Penalty corner chances proved to be crucial here. When Ireland won the first early in the second quarter, Lee Cole’s powerful flick was parried away by Luis Calzado’s left glove.
Today's Sport News in 90 Seconds - 19th January
A Spanish first penalty corner arrived in the third quarter but went wide. A second corner, in the 35th minute, was dragged to Harte’s left post where Cole, excellent on the post, stick saved brilliantly on the line. The block dropped in front of goal and Vilallonga managed to push past three Irish defenders.
Spain doubled their lead four minutes later with another corner strike when Miralles struck again to Harte’s left. Cole once more saved on the line but this time could only see his deflection over the line.
Calzado was forced into a double save at the end of the quarter. Ireland then made inroads on the left flanks in the final 15 minutes. The Irish continually found themselves in the circle, each time the umpire signalled for a free out as Spain’s defence held firm.
With three minutes left, an Ireland penalty corner saw a double effort from Shane O’Donoghue saved by Calzado. Time soon ran out on Ireland. They have 60 minutes left to book those Olympic tickets.
