Ireland 1 UK 2
Ireland lost 2-1 to Great Britain in the third-place play-off in Valencia on Saturday, ending their hopes of qualifying for a second successive tournament and ending their dream of qualifying for the Olympics.
But they forced Great Britain, bronze medalists at the Tokyo Games three years ago, to work hard for victory, which came with goals from Sarah Jones in the second quarter and Katie Robertson in the final quarter. Hannah McLaughlin converted a penalty corner in the final action of the game, but it was just her disappointing goal.
For Ireland, who first appeared at the Olympics four years ago, this was Ireland’s last chance to qualify for Paris after losing to Spain on penalties in the semi-finals. But Britain, who have never failed to qualify in 20 years, proved their chances more realistic.
Great Britain will then secure the last remaining spot for Paris, joining hosts France, Australia, the Netherlands, China, Argentina, South Africa, Germany, the United States, Japan, Belgium and Spain in a 12-team tournament. .
Full report to follow
Ireland: McFerran. R Upton, H McLaughlin, E Curran, B Harper. S Hawkshaw, C Beggs, K McKee. N. Carey, K. Mullan (Captain), N. Carroll.
sub: E Murphy, S McCauley, M Carey, S Torrance, E Neil, C Watkins, D Duke.
UK: S Heesh. A. Thoman, G. Ansley, H. Pern Webb (Capt.). S. Jones, F. Crackles, S. Hamilton, L. Owsley. H French, S Robertson, I Petter.
sub: L. Roper, A. Costello, E. Layer, T. Howard, K. Robertson, M. Pritchard, L. Walker.
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