Latest news with #EuroHockeyChampionshipII
RTÉ News
5 hours ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Ireland edge past Italy at EuroHockey Championship II
Ireland 1-0 Italy Ireland earned a hardfought 1-0 win over Italy to make it two wins from two in Pool A of the EuroHockey Championship II in Portugal on Tuesday. Jeremy Duncan's goal in the second minute was enough to secure the victory for Ireland, who went three points clear at the top of the pool with one game to go. Ireland began brightly, winning their first penalty corner after just two minutes. Lee Cole's effort was well saved, but Duncan was on hand to follow up and find the net. Chances were few and far between for the remainder of the first half, with Italy sitting deep and crowding their circle to make things difficult for the Irish attackers. The tactic served them well, with Ireland unable to add to their one-goal lead before half-time. Despite an energetic start and a number of early circle penetrations, efforts on goal remained elusive. Two late penalty corners proved the best chances for Ireland, the first of which was deflected wide, and the second initially resulting in a penalty stroke, which was eventually overturned. The close scoreline set up a nervy final quarter for Ireland, with Italy winning a penalty corner that forced Jaime Carr into a good save. Italy continued to enjoy prolonged phases in the Irish half, but Ireland were alive to any efforts to manufacture a chance on goal. In a last-ditch effort to salvage a draw, Italy substituted their keeper in favour of an additional outfield player with three minutes left. But Ireland held out to secure the points and extend their lead at the top of Pool A. They'll play their third and final Pool A match against Portugal on Wednesday at 6pm Irish time. A draw would be enough to see Ireland secure top spot and a place in Friday's semi-finals.
RTÉ News
2 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Ireland come from behind to down Czech Republic in Euro Hockey II opener
Ireland put in a big third quarter performance to come from behind and beat Czech Republic 5-3 in their EuroHockey Championship II opener in Portugal. A brace of goals each from Johnny McKee and Lee Cole, with Matthew Nelson nabbing the other, gave Ireland the victory after the Czechs had led by two goals twice in the match. After a bright start, Czech Republic scored goals in the first and second quarter before Johnny McKee got Ireland off the mark after great build-up play by Daragh Walsh. Czech Republic restored their two-goal advantage early in the third quarter but Ireland responded well as McKee scored his second shortly afterwards. McKee was busy as he earned Ireland a penalty which Lee Cole scored to draw the sides level, and the Green Machine were ahead for the first time when Matthew Nelson flicked home Sean Murray's pass. Another Lee Cole penalty pushed the gap to two with Ireland looking more likely to add a sixth than concede a fourth in the closing moments. Ireland will be back in action against Italy on Tuesday before concluding their Pool A campaign the following day against hosts Portugal, with the top two sides earning a place in Friday's semi-finals.
Belfast Telegraph
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Ireland left to lament ‘frustrating' failure to hit back at Spain as Pro League season ends with heavy loss
A Spanish masterclass saw them score eight goals in the first-half against a shell-shocked Irish side. A late consolation goal for Ireland's Ben Nelson did give them something to cheer on an otherwise tough final outing in the FIH Pro League. It was a far cry from the competitive clash between the same two nations the previous day where Spain had to come from behind to win 4-2. 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.' Up next for Ireland is the EuroHockey Championship II in Portugal and Marshall said it will give the side an opportunity to improve. 'Luckily, we have something to aspire to,' he explained. '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.' That event takes place in Lousada, Portugal with the tournament set to take place from July 27 to August 2. Ireland will hope to retain their 2023 title and add a fourth to their tally to continue their record as the competition's most successful side. A top-two finish in the competition would provide Ireland with a place at the FIH World Cup Qualifiers in 2026.
The 42
22-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Rampant Spain blow Ireland away with 9-1 victory
BEN NELSON SCORED a late consolation goal for Ireland as they suffered a 9-1 defeat to Spain in their last game of the 2024/25 Pro League season. 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.
