Ireland suffer big defeat to end Pro League campaign
Spain 9-1 Ireland
Ireland went into their last game of the 2024/25 Pro League season looking for a second win, but Spain had their own plans.
A masterclass performance saw Spain score 8 goals in the first half as they continue their pursuit of a fourth-place finish in the FIH Pro League, which would provide them with automatic qualification for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
A late consolation goal for Ireland's Ben Nelson put a shine on an otherwise tough final outing in the FIH Pro League.
From the outset Spain looked to impose themselves on the game. A penalty corner from their second circle entry gave them a chance to do that, but Louis Rowe was on hand to block their first attempt, with Jaime Carr able to clear the second.
A third penalty corner two minutes later eventually saw Spain break the deadlock, Pepe Cunill flicking into the net.
Spain continued to apply pressure, pressing Ireland more intensely in this encounter, a number of turnovers in the Irish backline eventually ended in a second goal for Spain Nicolas Alvarez' push at goal taking a fortunate deflection off Sean Murray to sneak past Jaime Carr.
Spain didn't have to wait long for a third opportunity, winning a penalty stroke just one minute later, which Marc Miralles dispatched.
Ireland managed to manufacture their first chance of the game, Ben Nelson picking up from where he left off yesterday to drive Ireland forward on the break, he tried to find brother Matthew in the circle, but his pass was just out of reach.
Spain piled further woe on just before the end of the first quarter, driving down the right side and delivering a ball to Alvaro Iglesias to slap into the net.
Spain's dominances carried into the second quarter, despite Ireland's best efforts to respond. A penalty corner for Spain added a fifth to their tally through Pepe Cunill second goal of the game. A sixth came immediately after, Joaquin Menini firing past Carr. Jordi Bonastre added the seventh with a shot at the near post.
Spain closed out the first half by adding an eighth. Sam Hyland blocked Pepe Cunill's penalty corner effort, but Marc Miralles got hold of the loose ball to fire into the roof of the net on his reverse.
The half-time break gave Ireland a chance to reset, leading to a more positive period of possession to begin the third quarter. However, Spain continued their goalscoring form, Mark Miralles completing his hattrick from a penalty corner. Spain's press retreated, allowing Ireland more time on the ball but keeping them camped in their own half for the majority of the quarter.
Ireland's improvements continued into the final period. An attacking opportunity from a turnover saw Sean Murray release Ben Nelson down the left, whose reverse stick shot found the bottom right corner. A second chance for Nelson came a minute or so later, which forced a save from Spain Goalkeeper Luis Calzado.
A last chance for Ireland in the final minute came for Ben Nelson yet again, a great delivery from Lee Cole to find him in the circle, but his shot on the half-volley went over the bar.
Speaking after the game, Ireland captain Kyle Marshall said:
"It's definitely frustrating considering it's our last game [in the FIH Pro League 2024/25]. We don't have a chance to put that one right so to speak. We definitely showed that we can play in the second half, but it's not where we want to be."
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