Ireland coach Grundie targeting Euro semi-finals
Ireland open their tournament on Saturday against reigning Olympic, world and European champions the Netherlands before facing France on Monday.They will then face hosts Germany in what will likely be a decisive game in the race for the semi-finals on Wednesday evening. Ireland completed their preparations for the Euros with an encouraging 2-1 series win over Spain in Dublin last week.That came on the back of the runner-up finish at the Nations Cup when they lost in a shootout in the final to New Zealand."It was frustrating, and it was very disappointing not to get over the line with that one, especially because we didn't actually lose a game in real time in the whole tournament," explained captain Sarah Hawkshaw."We had a brand new coaching staff with Gareth in charge and while we achieved what we wanted to on the pitch that final hurdle in the shootout is kind of what let us down."So yes, disappointed, but looking at it now, we'll take our performances into the Pro League, and we'll be smiling going into it."
The Pro League is for the future. Hawkshaw's attention is very much on this week.As well as targeting a place in the last four, there is also the incentive of a World Cup qualifying place for next year on offer.With the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany having already qualified, the next best finisher in the Euros will claim a place without having to go through a qualifying tournament at the start of next year.Ireland's squad boasts a wealth of experience, including World Cup silver medallists Katie Mullan and Roisin Upton and Tokyo Olympians such as Hawkshaw, Sarah Torrans, Hannah McLoughlin, Sarah McAuley and Michelle Carey.However, goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, Elena Neill and Naomi Carroll are missing, giving the opportunity to the likes of Belfast Harlequins defender Katie Larmour, who will play in her first senior international tournament.Charlotte Beggs and Katie McKee are the other two Ulster players in the squad.
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