Johnny Mackie says Ireland can beat Spain to qualify for the Olympics and avoid a nervous play-off battle for a ticket to Paris

Mark Tumilty’s side take on hosts Spain on Friday morning in front of what is expected to be a sold-out crowd. The men’s team hopes to reach Paris without getting caught up in the second-chance bar drama of the loser’s playoff game.

“We believe in ourselves and our defensive ability,” said Banbridge’s Ireland forward McKee. “We don’t want to rely on them as much as we have in the past, but we have the strength behind the scenes, we’re tough to break down and we can keep a clean sheet, which is rare in hockey.

“Our defense can be the best team here, but we know we can do more with the ball to move forward in the competition.”

Ireland have been on the back foot last week after conceding three goals in three group stage matches, including a 4-2 defeat to Olympic champions Belgium.

Due to the rollercoaster nature of this qualifying format, Ireland knew that the Red Lions had a good chance of securing top qualification and considered this match a “free shot” against Belgium.

Like the women’s team, the Irish men’s national team have also played a number of test matches against Spain in recent years. However, the Spanish national team have won their last six games and are unbeaten in 10 matches against Ireland. The last time the Irish beat Max Caldas’ team was in 2017.

“We are very used to Spain,” McKee added. He made his Under-21 debut 10 years ago before being promoted to the first team.

“We are getting closer to them. We go into the game as underdogs and are away, but we can give them a lot of problems and punish them on the counter.”

There is always a mother inside Campo de Hockey who has been watching over both her son and daughter Katie, who lined up for the Ireland women’s team this week.

“My mom is also watching the women’s game this week and the ticket sales are the cheapest,” the 27-year-old added. “It’s very special as a family to have siblings internationally with each other. This is a family affair and I hope we all go home happy.”

“We have to accept that we have a lot at stake,” said Caldas, a double Olympian for Argentina who led the Dutch women to Olympic gold in 2012.