Ireland seal highest World Cup finish despite loss
Ireland's hockey team suffered a 2-1 defeat against France at the World Cup but secured their highest-ever tournament finish. The team is now preparing for a ninth-place playoff match.
Why it matters
The result marks a significant milestone for Irish hockey, impacting their world rankings and future qualification prospects for major international tournaments.
0 Ireland will face either New Zealand or Pakistan ninth place at the World Cup following Sunday's 2-1 defeat by France.
Mark Tumilty’s side knew they were going to top the crossover Pool H before they took to the pitch in Wavre after South Africa and Malaysia had drawn 3-3.
Previous wins over both those countries meant Ireland could not be caught.
This perhaps helped to explain the performance against France who themselves were looking to avoid being in the classification game for last place.
It means Ireland will enter Friday's game assured of their their highest-ever finish, regardless of the result, having previously finished 12th in 1978 and 1990.
Both sides struggled to create any meaningful chances in the first half and it took until halfway through the third quarter before the first penalty corner was awarded.
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