Germans escape unharmed

HOCKEY/Ireland - 0 Germany - 2: "We are like Bayern Munich - we play badly but we win," said German coach Markus Weise, none too impressed with his team in its 2-0 defeat of Ireland at Belfield on Saturday, to add to Friday's 3-0 victory.

Given Germany are reigning Olympic champions and Ireland are ranked 13th in the world, Weise's displeasure was understandable, but there certainly was nothing shameful about the margin of those defeats for Riet Kuper's team.

They were, though, a stark enough reminder, a fortnight before the European Championships get under way at Belfield, of what Ireland must do to bridge the gap between themselves and hockey's "big guns".

Perhaps something was lost in translation, but the German federation's reference, in their report on the game, to "the harmless Irish women" was an indication of how unthreatened they felt by the Irish attack in the two games.

Lynsey McVicker, Cathy McKean and Linda Caulfield, though, all came close enough to finding a way through the German defence on Saturday, while Caitríona Carey, returning after an ankle injury, and Jill Orbinson were lively throughout.

Goals from Alexandra Kollmar and German captain Marion Rodewald settled the game, however, Kollmar lobbing goalkeeper Angela Platt before the break and Rodewald turning home a rebound from a short corner early in the second half.

Platt picked up a shoulder injury but is expected to be fit for the final European build-up games against Belgium at the weekend, but there are concerns about Jenny McDonough, whose ankle-ligament injury is taking longer than expected to heal.