THERE are some old scores to be settled in hockey circles as Ireland brace themselves for the top four stages of the World Cup preliminary competition in Cagliari when they face New Zealand in the semifinals today and, it is to be hoped, take on Canada for the tournament trophy on Saturday.
Ireland's bid to appear in the Barcelona Olympics was wiped out by 2-1 defeats by both the New Zealanders and Canadians in Auckland in 1991, and when Ireland reached the semi finals of the intercontinental cup in Kuala Lumpur in 1981, the Kiwi team of that era was too athletic a force to contain.
Now, with Ireland, New Zealand, Canada and Poland returning to Malaysia next March for the second phase of the World Cup, it will obviously be an extra boost for whichever side emerges with the laurels in Cagliari.
The New Zealanders arrived with the best credentials, with some good performances against Pakistan and Australia, but Canada edged them out of top spot in pool A with a superior goal tally of 17 to 10.
In contrast, of course, Ireland making the most of the abolition of offside struck the target 24 times in their dynamic dominance of pool B.
The New Zealanders play disciplined, clinical hockey, but they lack Ireland's total industry, adaptability and fiery, attacking surges.
The six survivors in the Irish squad from the Auckland party of five years ago - Ivan Bateman, Neil Cooke, Alan Dowd, Robbie Taylor, Daniel Clarke and David McAnulty - particularly want to make an impact this afternoon. There remains a doubt about skipper Dowd's back trouble but Alistair Dunne has shown that he can switch with relish to the pivotal midfield role if necessary.
Ireland's resolve to add the New Zealanders to their list of victims here is emphasised by the fact that they missed Tuesday night's tournament disco, and went training yesterday rather than take an excursion into the heartland of Sardinia's heritage.
Wales may also have a chance to celebrate. They remain in the running for the final ticket to Kuala Lumpur, but first they must edge out Italy this morning and then tackle the winners of the Kenya Switzerland tie in the fifth to eight place playoff. The Italians, though, have been enthusiastic hosts. Perhaps we'll all drink Cinzano instead.
