Spain 2-0 Ireland
Two goals in the third quarter saw Spain get the better of Ireland in Friday’s men’s hockey Olympic qualifier in Valencia, with the Irish now relying on winning the bronze medal match on Sunday in order to book their ticket to Paris.
From their second penalty corner, Spain’s first effort on goal was brilliantly tapped onto the post by Lee Cole, but Rafael Vilallonga reacted quickest to prod home.
Having upped the ante in the third quarter, the Spanish lead was deserved.
The advantage was doubled three minutes later. Another penalty corner. Irish goalkeeper Davey Harte got down smartly, but there was too much power from captain Marc Miralles’ shot.
Ireland 0-2 Spain – Time is running out for Ireland and two fine saves from Luis Calzoda ensure that Spain continue to hold a two-goal lead.
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“Spain deserved their win, even though we had a few chances to score in the final quarter,” said head coach Mark Tumilty.
“Going into this tournament based on world rankings we thought we might have to go to the bronze medal match, and we are where we expected to be and have prepared for that.
“Whoever we end up against be it Belgium or Korea, they will offer a different challenge. We need to be more clinical at taking our opportunities in front of goal if we are going to achieve our target”.
Ireland: David Harte, Luke Madeley, Shane O’Donoghue, Tim Cross, Lee Cole, Daragh Walsh, Nicholas Page, Sean Murray (C), John McKee, Jeremy Duncan, Michael Robson
Subs: Matthew Nelson, Kyle Marshall, Peter Mckibbin, Jonathan Lynch, Sam Hyland, Ben Johnson
Spain: Luiz Calzano (GK), Alejandro Alonso, Xavier Gispert, Alvaro Iglesias, José Basterra, Marc Miralles (C), Jordi Bonastre, Pepe Cunill, Joaquin Menini, Borja Lacallé, Alvaro Portugal
Subs: Enrique Gonzalez, Marc Recasens, Marc Reyne, Ignacio Rodriguez, Gerard Clapes, Rafael Vilallong
