Ireland miss out on semis
Ireland’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup qualifier in China have been virtually ended by the 1-0 defeat to Belgium.
Jerome Truyens’ ninth-minute penalty corner was enough to decide the match, leaving Ireland fourth in their six-nation pool with matches against Egypt and favourites Pakistan to follow.
“We were really on top in the second half but just could not find that equaliser we deserved,” said manager Steven Hiles.
Ireland trail leaders England by six points and with only the top two going through to the semis – which also guarantees their participation in September’s World Cup in Germany – the best they can hope for is to finish in the top four and take their chance in the play-offs for the one remaining qualification place.
