Ireland 1
Germany 1
THERE WAS DISAPPOINTMENT at the death for Ireland Women as their European Hockey Championships dream came to an end after a final game showdown against Germany this afternoon.
Having suffered a narrow defeat to England in Antwerp on Sunday, the Green Army got their campaign firmly back on track with a massive 11-0 win over Belarus ahead of the crunch tie with undefeated Germany.
But a 1-1 draw this afternoon wasn’t enough in a Pool B clash which was a must-win for Sean Dancer’s side. A draw saw fifth-ranked Germany safely into the semi-finals, a stage which continues to elude Ireland at this competition.
Final score: @IreWomenHockey 1 (Hawkshaw) Germany 1 (Maertens) - gutting, the crucial finish just evaded Ireland in a hugely impressive performance once again. The wait for a semi-final place in this competition goes on #EHC2019 pic.twitter.com/OuFrz1Jndr
— The Hook (@hookhockey) August 21, 2019
Pia Maertens put Germany one up midway through the first period, before Sarah Hawkshaw levelled proceedings. From there, Ireland heroically held their own but just couldn’t find the decisive breakthrough and all-important winner.
The game didn’t go off without drama, however, with Ireland’s World Cup hero Ayeisha McFerran saving a penalty — but sadly still, Ireland couldn’t progress.
— EuroHockey (@eurohockeyorg) August 21, 2019
'Big moments need big players' McFerran saves Lorenz's penalty stroke to keep Ireland in with a chance #EHC2019
— EuroHockey (@eurohockeyorg) August 21, 2019
WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/VR0CEuZoUS pic.twitter.com/HUWLrzz3q2
Dancer’s charges now switch their focus to the four-team relegation group, where they’ll look to sustain their top-tier status.
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