Ireland suffer defeat to Spain in World Cup semi-final re-match

Katie Mullan’s early goal wiped out as home side secured victory in Granada

Katie Mullan scored an early goal for Ireland in their international against Spain in Granada. Photograph: Joe Toth/Inpho
Katie Mullan scored an early goal for Ireland in their international against Spain in Granada. Photograph: Joe Toth/Inpho

Spain 2 Ireland 1

Ireland suffered defeat to Spain in the first formal re-match of the World Cup semi-final in Granada as Katie Mullan’s early goal was overturned by the hosts.

Mullan struck 12 minutes in but Belen Iglesias tied things up in the second quarter before Carmen Cano got the winner with seven minutes to go.

Once again, coach Graham Shaw tinkered with his squad extensively. Mullan was one of just seven Irish players from the silver medal-winning side to line out, with Spain featuring 11 of the line-up that ultimately won bronze in London last summer.

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The sides meet again on Wednesday morning before concluding this camp with a third meeting on Thursday.

While Shaw’s focus is wholly on working to develop and widen his panel, he will be hoping the side can muster at least one win. Since the World Cup, Ireland have just one win in capped matches in seven outings.

Elsewhere, the refixed Leinster Schoolgirls Senior Cup final between Wesley College and St Andrew’s has been set for Friday, February 8th at 2.15pm in Grange Road.

On Tuesday evening, meanwhile, Three Rock Rovers host YMCA in a refixed men’s EY Hockey League tie at 8pm.

IRELAND: E Buckley, A Naughton, C Brown, N Evans, K Mullan, S McCay, L Tice, S Barr, H Matthews, S Hawkshaw, A Meeke.

Subs: L Murphy, H McLoughlin, B Barr, S Torrans, D Duke, E Curran, L McGuire.

Stephen Findlater

Stephen Findlater

Stephen Findlater is a contributor to The Irish Times writing about hockey