The Irish men’s national team started their bid for Olympic qualification with a 5-1 victory over Ukraine in Valencia.
Lee Cole scored twice alongside Jeremy Duncan, making his 100th international appearance, with Darragh Walsh and Ben Johnson also on the scoresheet.
But it wasn’t as comfortable as the scoreline suggests.
It took until the final quarter to break through Ukraine’s stubborn defense, with Ireland scoring the final three goals in four minutes.
Olympic champions Belgium defeated Japan 7-0 in the other Pool A match and will face Ireland next on Monday.
Ireland dominated early on, forcing four penalty corners in the first quarter, but were unable to capitalize. Johnson, who was drafted into the team on Saturday because Ben Walker was injured, also hit the crossbar.
However, the three-lock Rovers forward was not denied early in the second quarter as he was quickest to react to the ball after Luke Madeley’s shot from another penalty corner was half-blocked.
Ireland doubled their advantage with a great approach play from Cole down the right.
A little mismanagement just before half-time allowed Ukraine to score from one of their few attacks into the Irish half.
After Ireland turned the ball over, Davey Hart was unable to stop Vracheslav Paziuk’s shot, forcing a penalty corner.
Ireland struggled to create chances in the third quarter, but as Ukraine began to tire, Ireland scored three goals in the final 10 minutes to extend their lead.
Cole eased the tension with his second shot of the game from a penalty corner, before centurion Duncan found his place with a clean finish.
Walsh completed the scoring with an effort from the top of the circle.
“Our corners should be better” – Tumilty
Ireland manager Mark Tumilty said: “It was a good lesson for us because we didn’t take advantage of all the chances we created and they gave away one penalty corner and scored.”
“The corner should get even better as we go through the tournament.”
Wednesday’s third pool game against Japan is likely to be a crucial match in order to reach the semi-finals and keep the Paris dream alive, but Ireland are looking forward to Monday’s match against Belgium.
Tamriti added: “You have to respect them. They are Olympic champions and they have a great team for a reason.
“But I think we have to be brave enough to go and play and that will be the goal.
“We know what we have to do going into the game and that is to aim for a draw against Japan and advance.
“The important thing is to be better than today, better connections, better fundamentals and be more clinical about penalty corners.”