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Ireland top their pool despite England defeat as Hockey World Cup quarter-final looms

Ireland will play either India or Italy in their quarter-final.

IRELAND WILL TOP their pool despite losing to England on Sunday as they prepare for the Women’s Hockey World Cup quarter-finals later this week.

Graham Shaw’s side suffered a 1-0 defeat to the world number two outfit in their final Pool B game due to Giselle Ansley’s drag flick in the 53rd minute that was deflected into the net from a penalty corner.

It was their 14th penalty corner of the game and they finished with 15 in total as England applied the pressure from the outset.

Giselle Ansley celebrates her goal with teammates Joe Toth / INPHO Joe Toth / INPHO / INPHO

Ireland came close to snatching an equaliser in the closing moments of the game after Anna O’Flanagan sent the ball into the circle but Deirdre Duke couldn’t get the final touch to finish it into the net.

They had other chances in the game to clinch a goal, including Megan Frazer’s effort after she got past two defenders and unleashed a shot. But her attempt was deflected wide.

Speaking to Hockey Ireland’s website after the loss to England, Shaw said:

“I cannot fault our players, I’m very proud of their effort. We need to learn from moments and phases in the game, but it’s a different atmosphere and environment than we’ve ever played in before, and I thought our players reacted superbly.

“From the very first minute they worked incredibly hard and stayed compact.”

Ireland will now go on to play their World Cup quarter-final on Thursday where they will take on either India or Italy.

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