The Irish men's hockey team were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Belgium in the World Cup qualifier in China today denting their chances of reaching the semi-final stages.
After Jerome Truyen's ninth minute penalty corner, the defeat means Ireland find themselves fourth in the six nation pool, six points behind leaders England with two remaining games against Egypt and Pakistan.
"We were really on top in the second half but just could not find that equaliser we deserved," said Irish Manager Steven Hiles after the game in Changzhou.
Only the top two nations qualify for the semis which guarantees a place in September's World Cup in Germany. Should Ireland remain in the top four they can still make it to Germany through the playoffs.