Irish World Cup dream still alive

Hockey:  Ireland kept alive their chances of playing in September's World Cup in Germany after a superb 2-2 draw with Pakistan…

Hockey:  Ireland kept alive their chances of playing in September's World Cup in Germany after a superb 2-2 draw with Pakistan at the qualifying tournament in China.

The point - coupled with a win for Canada over Egypt - ensured the Irish finished fourth in their group, putting them into the classification round where they have to win two matches to claim the remaining spot left for the World Cup.

Stephen Butler's 21st-minute goal cancelled out Dilawar Hussain's opener before Butler then gave Ireland a half-time lead with a penalty corner conversion. Rehan Butt levelled things up seven minutes after the interval but Ireland held on.