Spain 2-0 Ireland
Spain beat Ireland with two goals in the third quarter in the Olympic men’s hockey qualifier in Valencia on Friday, and Ireland must win Sunday’s bronze medal game against South Korea to clinch a ticket to Paris. is on.
Spain’s first shot on goal from a second penalty corner was taken by Lee Cole, who hit the post brilliantly, but Rafael Villalonga was quickest to react and slot the ball home.
Spain gained momentum in the third quarter and it was a given that they took the lead.
Three minutes later, the advantage was doubled. Another penalty corner. Ireland goalkeeper Davey Hart wisely got off, but captain Marc Miralles’ shot was too powerful.
Ireland 0-2 Spain – Time is running out for Ireland and two fine saves from Luis Carzoda keep Spain ahead by two points.
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Head coach Mark Tumilty said: “Spain deserved the win, even though they had a few chances to score in the final quarter.”
“Coming into this tournament based on the world rankings, we thought we might have to go to the bronze medal match, but we have reached the position we expected and have been preparing for that. .
“Whoever we play, whether it’s Belgium or South Korea, they’re going to present a different challenge. If we want to achieve our goals, we need to be more calm about our chances in front of goal.”
Ireland: David Hart, Luke Madeley, Shane O’Donoghue, Tim Cross, Lee Cole, Darragh Walsh, Nicholas Page, Sean Murray (C), John Mackie, Jeremy Duncan, Michael Robson
sub: Matthew Nelson, Kyle Marshall, Peter McKibbin, Jonathan Lynch, Sam Hyland, Ben Johnson
Spain: Luis Calzano (GK), Alejandro Alonso, Xavier Gisperto, Álvaro Iglesias, Jose Bastella, Marc Milages (C), Jordi Bonastre, Pepe Cunir, Joaquín Menini, Borja Lacalle, Alvaro Portugal
sub: Enrique Gonzalez, Marc Recasens, Marc Reign, Ignacio Rodriguez, Gerard Clapes, Rafael Villalon