Rampant Spain blow Ireland away with 9-1 victory
The Spanish were rampant from the start and, chasing a fourth-place finish to provide automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, they struck eight goals in the first half to blow Ireland away.
Speaking after the game, Ireland captain Kyle Marshall said: 'It's definitely frustrating considering it's our last game [in the FIH Pro League 2024/25]. We don't have a chance to put that one right so to speak. We definitely showed that we can play in the second half, but it's not where we want to be.'
Ireland's attention now turns to the EuroHockey Championship II in Portugal from 27 July to 2 August. A top two finish in that tournament – which they won in 2023 – would ensure a spot in the World Cup qualifiers.
Advertisement
'Luckily, we have something to aspire to. We need a top two finish in the EuroHockey Championship II. We could definitely put a bit of pressure on ourselves in the second half today to do what we expect of ourselves, our basic standards and hold ourselves accountable,' Marshall said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
an hour ago
- RTÉ News
Chelsea further bolster squad with £37m swoop for Jorrel Hato
Chelsea have completed the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth a reported £37m. The 19-year-old, who has been capped six times by his country, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge. He becomes the Blues' eighth signing of the summer transfer window. "I'm very excited, I'm so happy to be here," Hato, who can operate in central defence or at left-back, told the Premier League club's website. "I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I'm very happy." Hato joined Ajax's academy from hometown club Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and signed his first professional contract aged 16 four years later. He scored four goals in 111 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, with his international debut coming as a substitute in a 6-0 win against Gibraltar in November 2023. Club World Cup champions Chelsea begin the new top-flight season on Sunday, August 17 at home to London rivals Crystal Palace.
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Chelsea sign 19-year-old Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax
Chelsea have completed the signing of Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax in a deal worth a reported £37million. The 19-year-old, who has been capped six times by his country, has signed a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge. He becomes the Blues' eighth signing of the summer transfer window. 'I'm very excited, I'm so happy to be here,' Hato, who can operate in central defence or at left-back, told the Premier League club's website. Jorrel Hato is officially a Blue. 🔵✍️ — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 3, 2025 'I thought a lot about my future and wanted to take the next step in my career. Chelsea is the best place for me to do that so I'm very happy.' Hato joined Ajax's academy from hometown club Sparta Rotterdam in 2018 and signed his first professional contract aged 16 four years later. He scored four goals in 111 appearances for the Eredivisie giants, with his international debut coming as a substitute in a 6–0 win against Gibraltar in November 2023. Club World Cup champions Chelsea begin the new top-flight season on Sunday, August 17 at home to London rivals Crystal Palace.
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Former Premier League Wag steals the show in eye-popping outfit at influencer boxing card
The influencer previously opened up on her emotional break-up KNOCKOUT Former Premier League Wag steals the show in eye-popping outfit at influencer boxing card MARTA DIAZ delighted fans as she attended an influencer boxing event in Spain. The social media star, 24, dated Sergio Reguilon for four years during the full-back's stint in the Premier League. Advertisement 6 Marta Diaz posted several snaps to her Instagram account Credit: Instagram @martaa_diiaz 6 The influencer attended a boxing event Credit: Instagram @martaa_diiaz 6 Marta, 24, pouted as she posed ringside Credit: Instagram @martaa_diiaz Marta has a huge presence online, and has gathered 3.4 million Instagram followers. Over the weekend, the model shared several snaps of herself at a boxing event. The popular star was attending the La Velada del Ano 5. Spanish star Ibai Llanos' event is a hit on streaming site Twitch. Advertisement READ MORE IN BOXING KNOCKOUT Stunning ring girls get hot pants signed by Usyk as they share behind scenes video This year's edition is said to have even peaked at 9.3 million viewers on the platform. Marta posted several snaps of herself at the event. Two of them saw her pose alongside model Mihail Amoli. While in others she pouted while standing ringside. Advertisement 6 Marta has a huge social media following Credit: Instagram @martaa_diiaz 6 The model has 3.4 million Instagram followers Credit: Instagram @martaa_diiaz Marta and Reguilon split in 2023. The influencer revealed her emotional reaction to the break-up during her Amazon Prime series, entitled La Vida de Marta Diaz. Advertisement Premier League Wag breaks down in tears on TV as she confirms split with ex-Man Utd star partner Marta said: "I would say many things to Sergio… Thank you, thank you for…" Her voice then cracked as she welled up, before she managed to add: "Eh…. For everything. He has helped me a lot and he has been a very, very important pillar for me, and he will always be." Reguilon, 28, made just six appearances for Tottenham last season. The six-cap Spain international is looking for a new club after being released by Spurs at the end of last season. Advertisement
