Ireland's EuroHockey semi-final hopes ended despite Germany draw
Ireland put in a strong performance against Germany in their final pool outing, but the 0-0 draw against the hosts wasn't enough to secure a EuroHockey Championships semi-final spot.
Having lost to the Netherlands and France already in Pool A, only a victory by two clear goals was going to suffice in Monchengladbach, and despite dominating the game, couldn't find the ruthless streak to punish their opponents on the scoreboard,
It means Ireland will instead play Scotland and England to close out their campaign.
Ireland pressed right from the off, but a single German breakaway was enough to see them win two penalty corners in quick succession, both of which Ireland defended.
After a period of German pressure Ireland were efficient in attack, Mikayla Power receiving the ball on the right flank and winning a penalty corner. Hannah McLoughlin was the option for a straight strike which was well saved and cleared.
Ireland mounted another attack soon after, with Emily Kealy driving into the circle and winning a penalty stroke. McLoughlin stepped up to take the set piece, only to see her effort saved by Julia Sonntag.
Ireland's intensity continued into the second quarter, causing real problems for the German defence through more intense pressing. Several turnovers gave Ireland opportunities to run at their opposition's backline, but strong defence kept them at bay. The sides went into the half-time break on level terms.
Ireland picked up where they left off in the second half, McAuley driving well down the left and drawing a foul that saw the hosts reduced to 10 players following a green card.
Two late green cards for Ireland's Roisin Upton and Niamh Carey meant Ireland had to see out the remaining minutes down two players, defending resolutely to stay on level terms at the end of the third quarter.
Germany created the first chance of the final quarter, winning a penalty corner inside the first two minutes which they put wide of the left post. Ireland responded well, again squeezing the German defence in the press.
With eight minutes remaining, Power did superbly to control an aerial from McLoughlin and test substitute goalkeeper Nathalie Kubalski.
Ireland withdrew goalkeeper Lizzie Murphy in a last-ditch effort to get a win with five minutes remaining. A penalty corner with a minute to remain gave Ireland a last chance to get a much-deserved win, testing Kubalski twice in the German net but they couldn't find the breakthrough.
"We went toe-to-toe with Germany in front of a home crowd," head coach Gareth Grundie said afterwards. "We certainly had our opportunities; I think if one had gone in in the first quarter it certainly would have put them under pressure.
"I think the damage was probably already done on Monday against France. If we had come out of that game with a result, then Germany needing to win tonight would have given us a real opportunity."
Ireland will face Scotland on Friday (11.30am) and England on Sunday (11.30am) in crossover matches to determine their final ranking.
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