Ireland’s World Cup qualification hopes remain on hold after their draw with Spain denied a coveted win would win have secured their place in the semi-finals of the EuroHockey Championship for the first time.
Cratloe’s Naomi Carroll helped Ireland to get off to a dream start, fresh from netting the winner in Monday’s encounter with Scotland. The former Clare dual-star tore down the right channel to draw a penalty corner which her Catholic Institute club mate Róisin Upton duly finished off the set piece, a bullet drag-flick into the bottom corner.
Spain were back on level terms on the twelfth minute and the right opportunity failed to come Ireland’s way. They will now contest Pool C where four teams will battle it out for the one remaining World Cup spot from this competition.
It does mean, however, the Green Army will have to play a European qualifier in 2022 if they are to compete on this stage again in 2023.
