Indeed, they almost pulled off one of their best ever results when they forged an early 2-0 lead against the host nation before Carla Dupuy struck with just four minutes remaining to deny a famous win.

It placed Ireland in Sunday’s bronze medal match with India, a tie which saw a trade of corner goals which led to penalty strokes and the Asian side prevailed 4-2.

But it was Saturday’s tie which will provide both pride and frustration. Ireland hit the front when Shirley McCay clubbed home brilliantly first time after Cliodhna Sargent’s corner strike bounced back to the left edge of the circle.

Sargent ‘s second hit found its way in via the right-hand post woman’s stick to put Ireland in dreamland after 18 minutes and it was a lead they held until the break.

Silvina D’Elia swept home a slight corner switch with plenty of sliders making visibility difficult for Pamela Smithwick and it brought the sizeable crowd into the game as they felt the comeback was on.

And they got their leveller when possession was nabbed on the right wing with Dupuy working her way into the circle and unleashing a reverse.

It could have been even worse as a last minute corner hit Sargent on the line. But Noel Barrionuevo saw her penalty stroke effort kicked away by Smithwick and the draw was attained.

Coach Gene Muller  praised the side’s performance, saying afterwards: “We produced a very mature and committed performance today. Our work rate was fantastic and we were tactically smart. The players loved the fact that we got a result against the world champions in front of their large home crowd.”
The result, combined with South Africa’s 3-2 win over India, saw Ireland drop into the third/fourth playoff against the Asian nation.

Holding more of the play, Ireland looked on course to repeat their victory over three days earlier when Michelle Harvey scored from a corner but Deepika responded in kind from a set-piece to tie the game with 14 minutes left. It sent the game to penalty strokes and India got the edge 4-2.

Ireland are back in action on Wednesday against South Africa in Parana in the second Four Nations tournament.

** To see more of Matias Noe Correa Arce’s photos from the game, click here (requires facebook)

Argentina: Laura Del Colle, Florence Habif, Silvina D’Elia, Noel Barrionuevo (c) Mariela Scarone, Daniela Sruoga Rocio Sanchez Moccia, Josefina Sruoga, Martina Cavallero, Sofia Maccari, Rosario Luchetti.

Subs: Carla Dupuy, Roberta Werthein, Maria Jose Fernandez, Giselle Juarez.Coach
Ireland (vs Argentina): Pamela Smithwich, Michelle Harvey, Sinead McCarthy, Cliodhna Sargent, Aine Connery, Chloe Watkins, Shirley McCay, Elizabeth Colvin, Niamh Small, Alexandra Speers (c), Audrey O’Flynn.
Subs: Miriam Crowley, Hannah Bowe, Nicola Daly, Niamh Atcheler, Anna O’Flanagan

Ireland (vs India): Emma Gray, Hannah Bowe, Aine Connery, Lizzie Colvin, Nicola Evans, Sinead McCarthy, Shirley McCay, Audrey O’Flynn, Cliodhna Sargent, Alex Speers, Chloe Watkins
Subs: Miriam Crowley, Anna O’Flanagan, Nicci Daly, Niamh Atcheler, Michelle Harvey

Second Four Nations (Parana , Argentina)
December 14: South Africa v Ireland, 8.30pm; Argentina v India, 11pm
December 15: India v Ireland, 8.30pm; Argentina v South Africa, 11pm
December 17: South Africa v India, 8.30pm; Argentina v Ireland, 11pm
December 18: Classifications – 3^rd v 4^th, 8.30pm; final, 11pm

The Cork Harlequins’ woman banged in her fifth international strike in the 43rd minute to see Ireland bounce back from the 2-0 loss to South Africa a day earlier. With Argentina notching a 4-1 win over the Africans, it puts Ireland second on goal difference going into Saturday’s final pool game with the hosts.

Gene Muller’s side produced a much stronger performance, holding sway for large periods and winning seven penalty corners. The form of Nicci Daly in midfield impressed for a second day while Sinead McCarthy was strong in defence to bolster the performance though the side had to endure some nervy moments in the second period.

Lizzie Colvin received her second yellow of the match forcing Ireland to play with ten for the final six. India took this opportunity to pile on the pressure and secured two penalty corners but Emma Gray was on form and kept her clean sheet.

Ireland will now have a rest day before they resume action on Saturday against hosts Argentina at 8.30pm (Irish Time).

India: Savita, Pinky Thokchom, Asunta Lakra (c), Kirandeep Kaur, Ritu Rani, Poonam Rani, Vandana Katariya, Anuradha Thokchom, Jaspreet Kaur, Sushila Pukhrambam, Rani.
Subs: Deep Ekka, Lilim Minz, Roselin Dungdung

Ireland: Emma Gray, Cliodhna Sargent, Alexandra Speers (c), Shirley McCay, Niamh Small, Sinead McCarthy, Aine Connery, Audrey O’Flynn, Hannah Bowe, Elizabeth Colvin, Nicola Daly.
Subs: Miriam Crowley, Nicola Evans, Chloe Watkins, Niamh Atcheler, Anna O’Flanagan

Day Two standings: 1. Argentina 6pts (+4) 2. Ireland 3pts (-1) 3. South Africa 3pts (-2) 4. India 0pts (-2)

With a sense of symmetry, 1995 was the last time Ireland had beaten the Spanish, the win arriving in that year’s European Cup, the event where Ireland last achieved fifth place, too.

Timmy Cockram’s brace in the closing six minutes concluded a remarkable late burst of effort from the Irish, coming from behind for the second time in the match to end the tournament in style.

By a quirk of squad rotation-fate, regular number one flicker John Jermyn was not available for any of Ireland’s six penalty corners on the day, but Ireland nonetheless netted three set-pieces to take a famous result.

Having won the Champions Challenge II, Celtic Cup and the INSEP Five Nations, with wins over three sides in the world’s top 11 en route, Paul Revington’s side added to their notable achievements as they also reached a world ranking high of 17.

In Germany, they finished one place outside the automatic Olympic places but look a real contender once the London 2012 qualifiers come around next spring, most likely to be played at this point in Japan.

As such, Revington was keen to focus on the future, again saying this was solely a way-point with more to come from his side.

“I’m proud but we have got out sights firmly set on next year to make improvement. We’re pleased with what we have done this summer and know it will create a good foundation,” he said

“The highlight for me is we managed to get 40 players contributing in the past three months. For Irish hockey, that is going to be the way we achieve things.”

They took the hard road, twice falling behind. All the goals in yesterday’s tie came from penalty corners as Pau Quemada broke the deadlock in the 25th minute. Two runners got in the line of the ball but neither could block it and left postman Joe Brennan unsighted as the ball zipped between his legs.

Beyond the corners, chances were scarce as Spain carried more of the threat and the territory. Ireland were slightly lack-lustre in the first half but grabbed a leveller from Eugene Magee’s push from their second corner, created by Banbridge native’s quick spurt and pass to Mikey Watt.

It was a positive scoreline from a below par half and one which Revington felt his side could build on, saying afterwards he always felt his side could finish stronger. They did fall behind again via the stick of Santi Freixa – a former world player of the year – who whipped home a devilish switch for 2-1.

But the Irish upped their tempo significantly in the closing stages. The ever willing Andy McConnell got on the end of Watt’s great run and pass to draw a fine save from Kiko Cortes.

Freixa was almost gifted a pivotal goal when a long overhead was left by David Harte but rebounded off the post. Freixa got to the ball but could not turn it in, allowing the goalkeeper to turn and clear.

Put to the pin of their collar, the Spaniards were petulant and disorganised late on with Ramon Alegre, Edi Tubau and Miguel Delas all sin-binned in the closing quarter during which the greens dominated, winning several corner shots.

Paul Gleghorne, finding himself in a well-advanced position, miscued John Jackson’s fine cross while Ian Sloan set a nice move in motion from which Chris Cargo’s cross-shot was also just off course.

The pressure was building and eventually Ireland got their third corner of the game from a futilely disputed Spanish complaint. Cockram pinged it in low with six minutes left.

The next corner saw a switch move just go awry while their fifth corner clipped a foot and had to be reset. This time Cockram returned to his successful route, getting his fourth of the tournament in breath-taking style to secure a famous Irish win.

Ireland: D Harte, J Jackson, G McCabe, R Gormley, M Watt, E Magee, M Darling, T Cockram, D Ames, P Gleghorne, C Harte
Subs: C Cargo, J Brennan, J Jermyn, A McConnell, I Sloan
Spain: K Cortes, S Freixa, S Enrique, B Perez Pla, A Fabregas, E Tubau, R Oliva, R Alegre, M Terraza, D Alegre, P Quemada
Subs: M Delas, J Fernandez, X Lleonart, A Mir, M Salles

Men’s EuroHockey Nations Championships
Pool C results: Ireland 3 (T Cockram 2, E Magee) Spain 2 (P Quemada, S Freixa); France 2 (L Sevestre, J-B Pauchet) Russia 5 (P Golubev 2, A Platonov 2, N Yankun)
Final standings: 1. Ireland 9pts (+9) 2. Spain 6pts (+5) 3. Russia 3pts (-8) 4. France 0pts (-6)

** Photos courtesy of Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile; for more from the game, click here

** Video highlights from www.fieldhockeytv.com

** The post-match press conference with Paul Revington and Ronan Gormley

Ireland vs Spain, post-match pres conference by stevie_findlats

** To relive the Hook and the IHA’s live updates from the game, check out the minute-by-minute coverage below

After three rough group games, Ireland are now set to actually rise one space in the world rankings, overtaking Azerbaijan who ended the competition in seventh place.

At the start of day’s play, Ireland’s primary task was to outdo Azerbaijan’s result. Playing first, it was a matter of setting a marker and they did that with a comprehensive success.

Ireland had endured a decidedly ropey opening period in which Francesca Faustini contrived to round Emma Gray but blaze wide from the centre of the circle while Gray’s bicep was instrumental in denying Alessia Padalino’s close range reverse.

But a golden spell from the 17th to 19th minute defined the game. Again, midfielders joining the attack were pivotal as Aine Connery drifted infield past a couple of tackles and laid off for Emma Clarke.

Her shot had some venom but was straight at the left palm of Roberta Lilliu but she contrived to guide the ball into the bottom corner, a big stroke of fortune which sapped the energy from the Italians.

Within a minute, Nikki Symmons was doing a now trademark celebration as Speers played her in for another sliding finish. And the goal-glut was complete when Emma Smyth – from a third right-wing incursion – arrowed a cross to Connery on the back-post to sweep home from close range.

O’Halloran then stung Lilliu’s foot with a low rasper as Ireland looked to set an imposing target for Azerbaijan in the closing Pool C tie.

Italy still could make threats, though, as Ireland required Sinead McCarthy’s steady hands to push Fasutini’s gentle lob off the line after Gray had been beaten.

At all times, it was a bruising affair with the umpires allowing some decisions go early which saw the agro and ante raised. Italy shipped a card before the break and lost their captain Chiara Tiddi in a coming together with Lisa Jacob.

Alex Speers could have made it 4-0 in the 39th minute when she dummied Lilliu but could not get the shot off and Ireland were back in perilous territory when Alessia Padalino – an indoor world cup winner with the Netherlands – found room in the circle for a big wind, hitting into the bottom left corner.

Emma Smyth took a card for dissent soon after and Chiara Padalino could have made it 3-2 when she made a limp attempt to a slow-motion ball into the circle which rolled into the backboard and just needed a touch. Her frustrations saw her soon after sent to the bin.

With 15 minutes to go, Ireland were currently setting Azerbaijan the task of a one-goal win over Belgium. Conceding one more would not change matters but any larger margin would make life even tougher for the Azeris.

Knowing this, Muller switched to three at the back and a fourth midfielder which drew dividends immediately as Chloe Watkins won the first of six corners in the closing quarter – the rest of the game saw none.

The fourth – three minutes from time – cracked the crossbar from Smyth’s ramp to O’Flynn’s drag. Ireland called hopefully for an upgrade to a stroke via video referral for a nudge on Smyth, but to no avail.

From the reset, O’Flynn’s next drag was saved onto a foot giving a sixth chance. Lilliu got down low to save but McCay was on hand to snap up what might have been a pivotal goal.

Speaking directly after the tie, coach Muller gave his synopsis of the match: “It was a much closer game than 4-1. We were fortunate to get three goals in a short space of time. The Italian team is extremely difficult to play against. They have skilful players and threat over distance so it was difficult to know what pressure to play. I was happy we won but we are in the lap of the Gods as to whether we stay up.”

Asked by Talk Hockey Radio’s Peter Savage about Ireland’s attacking style, Muller said it was a welcome change to see his side on the right end of a quick string of goals.

“Sometimes we’ve been on the receiving end of that this tournament. In the last three matches, we’ve been quite flowing at times. After the first two, we managed to find a little bit more freedom and played with less fear and it worked out for us. Sometimes the players carry too much with them onto the field. There’s been a lot more chances created and attractive hockey.”

Looking to the future, Muller was also asked about a proposed trip to Argentina as part of the pre-Olympic qualifiers build-up, responding that it is a cost issue.

“It’s aspirational and a monetary issue. I’m not sure we can afford to go to Argentina. What we would like to do and what we can afford to do are two different things. It’s in the plans but whether it is realised, I’m not sure. The alternative is training and then see if we can get matches before the qualifiers.”

Those qualifiers take place in one of three venues – Belgium, India and Japan – with one Olympic place available from each qualifier, set to take place in early 2012.

Women’s EuroHockey Nations Championships
Pool C: Ireland 4 (E Clarke, N Symmons, A Connery, S McCay) Italy 1 (A Padalino); Belgium 3 (C de Vos, B Nelen, J Boon) Azerbaijan 1 (H Shukuradze)
Standings: 1. Belgium 9pts (+7) 2. Ireland 6pts (+2) 3. Azerbaijan 3pts (-2) 4. Italy 0pts (-7)

** Photos from Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile; for more pictures from today’s game, click here; video footage will be available in due course from Field Hockey TV

** Video highlights from today’s game from Field Hockey TV

** To read back on The Hook’s love coverage of Ireland’s 4-1 win over Italy, check out our minute-by-minute coverage below

Since the tiered format was introduced, Ireland had twice endured relegation but this time around, they stayed up with a game to spare as they blew away a limp Russian challenge.

It was the showing Revington has been looking for as, despite entertaining the crowds, he had been concerned by facets of play. Some looseness slipped into the second period but, by then, the tie was settled with goal difference becoming the sole concern.

Speaking afterwards, Revington was delighted with the outcome. Since taking over, his side have mainly taken forward steps in winning the ‘B division’ and the Champions Challenge II but the next part of the progression now lies ahead with a real Olympic charge the next focus.

“The performance was pretty terrific. Defensive shape was strong, movement from turnover moments was strong and effectively, the first half settled the game.

“Over the week, we’ve performed consistently for longer which we anticipated would probably happen as we went through the tournament.

“It is a big thing for the group. As in life, there are certain stepping stones and events you have to progress through to keep improving. Staying up is a building block for next year.

“To progress, we probably have to defend properly and better. Since 2007, we’ve tipped towards offence rather than defence but certainly we have to have to progress our defence another level.”

The scoreline fell just a goal short of the 9-2 result they inflicted on the same opposition in July’s Champions Challenge semi-final.

A first half performance of attacking verve killed it as a contest, Ireland bossing it from the moment Mikey Watt spun on a John Jermyn corner rebound in the 15th minute.

Four more followed before half-time in a breath-taking 11 minute spell. A delightful run from Mitch Darling made it 2-0 and Eugene Magee’s drag-flick began the party tricks in the 25th minute.

The Russians swapped goalkeepers at that stage in an attempt to stem the tide but the incoming Marat Gafarov could do nothing to prevent sublime efforts from Timmy Cockram and David Ames. Cockram exchanged a fast-paced series of passes with Chris Cargo before using splendidly quick-hands to round Gafarov.

Ames slid on to the end of more excellent build-up play from Cargo and Cockram, ending with an imitation celebration of Nikki Symmons ‘prone cobra’ move from a day earlier in the women’s game.

Russia got one back on the stroke of half-time and the second half was less fluid as Ireland tended to overplay their numerous chances.

There was space for Geoff McCabe to continue his incredible scoring record – six in eight games having not scored in his initial 89 international caps – before John Jermyn whipped home two late corners to continue his pursuit of the Irish record. His tally stands at 71 goals, eight shy of the retired Stephen Butler.

Pavel Plesetskiy did get one in response with a perfectly weighted pitch-wedge up and over David Harte but it was less than a consolation for coach Igor Shishkov who admitted his side are not ready for this level of competition.

There was a brief wait for ‘A status’ to be confirmed as Spain fell behind to France – who required a win to keep their hopes alive and take the relegation pool into a final day.

But goals from Edi Tubau and Marc Salles – following a lengthy rain delay – saw the Spanish stumble over the line and retain their status, too.

On Sunday, the side conclude the tournament with a tie against Spain with both vying for fifth place. That would equal Ireland’s best ever finish, set back in 1995 in Dublin under the old, open entry format of championship.

Ireland have the edge on goal difference and so a draw would suffice. As added bonuses, Ireland will move up a place in the world rankings to 17th, their highest ever, and will be guaranteed a World Cup qualifier place for 2014 at the very least.

Ireland: D Harte, J Jackson, G McCabe, R Gormley, M Watt, E Magee, P Caruth, M Darling, D Ames, P Gleghorne, C Harte
Subs: C Cargo, J Brennan, J Jermyn, A McConnell, T Cockram

Russia: R Rogov, E Mokrousov, S Kostarev, A Zhirkov, R Zakriov, P Golubev, A Mamoshkin, N Yankun, S Matkovskiy, I Loginov, A Platonov
Subs: N Komarov, I Zamalutdinov, D Volkov, P Plesetsky, M Gafarov

Men’s EuroHockey Nations Championships, Pool C results: Ireland 8 (Jermyn 2, Cockram, Darling, McCabe, Watt, Magee, Ames) Russia 2 (P Plesetskiy, A Platonov); Spain 1 (E Tubau) France 1 (L Sevestre)
Standings: 1. Ireland 6pts (+8) 2. Spain 6pts (+6) 3. France 0pts (-3) 4. Russia 0pts (-11)

** Pics from Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile; click here for more of his pics

** Field Hockey TV’s highlight package from the game

** Paul Revington and Ronan Gormley answered a couple of questions from the Irish press in the aftermath of the match against Russia

Ireland vs Russia pos-match press conference by stevie_findlats

** To look back on the game as it unfolded, here’s The Hook’s live, minute-by-minute coverage of Ireland’s game with Russia

It was the third time Ireland had beaten the Azeris this summer but by far the most important. With Belgium beating Italy 2-0 earlier in the day, anything other than a win would have seen Gene Muller’s side drop to the ‘B division’ for the first time.

But goals from Michelle Harvey, Emma Clarke and Nikki Symmons blew away the team’s inhibitions and lift the side off the bottom rung of the relegation pool with plenty of momentum to take into Saturday’s tie with Italy.

Their position could have been yet stronger had they held out a last minute penalty corner, Yoon Seon Kim grabbing a rebound.

It may yet be a pivotal goal as it pushed Azerbaijan one clear of Ireland in the goal difference rankings and means the greens need to outdo the eastern European side’s result on the final day of competition.

Following three harrowing defeats, it was a welcome relief for Muller’s side. They started in fighting fashion, winning three penalty corners inside opening phases with Emma Smyth, on her 50th cap, providing a creative spark absent from the side to date.

Lisa Jacob and Nikki Symmons combined to fluff a golden chance in the tenth minute as the first semblance of nerves were growing in the stands when the side eventually got their deserved breakthough.

Smyth won a fifth penalty corner of a dominant half and Harvey –with a late adjustment to the intended pattern – saw her shot loop over the logged Saadat Nuriyeva in the 32nd minute.

Clarke got an insurance goal with 12 minutes to go, following up her own incisive pass as Jacob’s shot rebounded her way.
And it looked like Ireland were out of the relegation zone when Symmons exchanged delightful passes with Julia O’Halloran and skipper Alex Speers before diving onto her reverse and shooting home.

Speaking afterwards, Muller was relieved his side was still alive in the competition: “In the last two European campaigns since I’ve been involved, it’s always been backs to the wall. It doesn’t become any easier and I have found this one by far the most demanding. We conceded a goal against Germany [in their first game] within 90 seconds and it’s been backs to the wall since that moment. The team were unbelievable and it requires great resilience to do that.”

Ireland’s men are back in action today (1pm, Irish time), knowing a victory over Russia – whom they beat 9-3 in July – will maintain ‘A’ status for the first time.

Ireland: E Gray (GK), N Symmons, S McCarthy, C Sargent, A O’Flynn, E Smyth, E Clarke, S McCay, J O’Halloran, A Speers, A Connery.
Subs: M Harvey, L Jacob, N Small, C Watkins, L Colvin

Azerbaijan: S Nuriyeva, H Shukurzade, E Muzaffarova, Y-S Kim, M Mammadova, C Shukurova, M-S Aliyeva, Z Suleymanova, H Lee, Z Mammadova, B Kim
Subs: K Aliyeva, J Huseynova, Y Gurbanova, V Shabazova, S Lee

EuroHockey Nations Championships
Pool C results: Belgium 2 (A Raes, J Boon) Italy 0; Ireland 3 (M Harvey, E Clarke, N Symmons) Azerbaijan 1 (Y-S Kim)
Standings: 1. Belgium 6pts (+5) 2. Azerbaijan 3pts (0) 3. Ireland 3pts (-1) 4. Italy 0pts (-4)

Men’s EuroHockey Nations Championships, fixtures (all Irish time):
Pool C: Ireland v Russia, 1pm; Spain v France, 3pm
Semi-finals: Belgium v Netherlands, 5.30pm; Germany v England, 8pm

** For more of Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile’s pics from Ireland vs Azerbaijan, click here

** Field Hockey TV’s highlights package from Ireland vs Azerbaijan

** To hear the post-match press conference with Gene Muller, with questions from Christopher Plass, Stephen Findlater and David Medcalf, click the play button

Gene Muller post Azerbaijan tie by stevie_findlats

** For the Hook’s minute by minute coverage of Ireland vs Azerbaijan from this afternoon, check out the live ticker below

Indeed, you have to go as far back as 1997’s World Cup qualifiers in Kuala Lumpur for a larger number let in but there was still plenty to uplift the assembled green fans as they carried the fight to the world number three side.

Did they expend too much energy in a lost cause, chasing what were merely consolation goals? It remains to be seen but the crowd scarcely minded as it was an enthralling chapter on a wild and wonderful day of hockey in Monchengladbach.

England’s earlier 8-1 victory over France left just one route available for Ireland to reach the semi-finals but motivation was boosted by the certainty that a five-goal win would see Ireland into the Olympics for the first time since 1908.

Early goals from Eugene Magee and Geoff McCabe allowed Ireland to briefly dream of the biggest result in the last century of the sport as they chased down the fantasy result.

With little to lose, the Irish gave it a rattle but were ultimately out-classed by a Dutch side whom Revington will hope to play more often in order to continue his side’s rapid progression.

It was always a fanciful target, especially when Bob de Voogd scored a goal which had already looked inevitable for quite some time even though it only came in the seventh minute.

Indeed, Ireland’s goal did lead a charmed life at times. Valentin Verga skewed a basic chance wide while Harte started his night with a good stop at the feet of Sander de Wijn but he was over-run by Dutch attackers from a turnover on the right flank and de Voogd finished off the move.

Ireland continued to ship pressure but, with Holland attacking with nine men, they were caught cold by John Jackson’s overhead from a sideline free.

Eugene Magee out-stripped the one chasing defender and emphatically beat Jaap Stockmann with his second touch. It gave Ireland a previously unseen energy as passes started to stick and overlaps became more apparent. Using their preferred route down the channels, Chris Cargo hit a devilish cross which a diving Mikey Watt just missed while Geoff McCabe’s outer route was blocked by Rogier Hofman in unceremonious fashion.

John Jermyn, Magee and Timmy Cockram were all benched at this stage leaving Ian Sloan the only recognised flicker at the top of the D but his drag popped up nicely off Stockmann for McCabe to, baseball-style, rebound for 2-1 in the 22nd minute.

It left Ireland in a sort of limbo – push on for the magic five or shore up and play the percentages. Perhaps the Dutch made the decision for them as Jackson was required for some last-ditch defending while Taeke Taekema got his first penalty corner shot.

He nailed it despite an Irish video referral. Two days ago, the Dutch had been pulled up for stopping the ball inside the circle against England; this time round there were five inches in their favour and Ireland’s appeals were lost.

Jeroen Hertzberger won another corner and Taekema picked the same spot and the Dutch had the lead for a second time, a 3-2 advantage they took into the second half.

It continued to be blow-for-blow as Cockram drew a sharp stop from Stockmann while Billy Bakker, through on goal, was brilliantly denied by a sliding David Harte.

Taekema whipped one over as Stockmann then denied Cockram’s corner switch following a good interchange from the ’Garvey man and Mitch Darling.

Ronan Gormley add to his collection of excellent stops on the line when he turned away Taekema’s fourth flick but he completed his hat-trick with his fifth drag – a debatable one as the build-up saw Bakker aerial the ball into a defender’s body.

It should have been either a stroke or free out but, with no appeals left, the corner stood and Taekema rarely needs to be asked twice, bringing his tally to 215 international goals. 216 was not long in arriving during a key spell for the Dutch, this corner not quite so polished but a scrambling Irish defence to an unstopped corner could not cover the pass back to Taekema who pushed into the goal.

Harte somehow stopped Rob Kemperman’s lob with his shoulder but Ireland still had the willingness to run the channels, not saving themselves for later battles.

To that end, Magee’s shot precipitated a Dutch counter which Teun de Nooijer – reasonably quiet to this point – delightfully chipped the ball up and then, in one movement, flipped it over Harte for 6-2 on the hour.

Cockram got one back despite being in the goal before the ball, dragging it over the line after his momentum, prior to from an initial Sander de Wijn touch onto the post, from Magee’s cross had left him prostrate on the ground.

Floris Evers was next to find the Harte brick-wall from a lengthy run at goal but Billy Bakker had the inclination to toy with Harte before laying off to de Voogd who swept in 7-3.

Watt banged home the final goal of the game to rapturous applause from the assembled Irish fans as well as the large, neutral Belgian fanbase.

Speaking about the tie, coach Revington had a mixed view of affairs: “It was highly entertaining from a spectator’s point of view. We were reasonably pleased with first half. With our shape, defensively we were strong with some good, fast break,” he said.

“The Dutch pressed well in the second half. We aided it with six minutes of a lack of concentration. We finished scoring four goals and we are reasonably pleased with that but to concede seven is frustrating.

“Yes, frustrated at turnovers. At the same time, the Dutch are a very useful side. The way they move, the moment the ball is lost, they’ll place a huge amount of pressure on a lot of teams. This Irish side will have learned a horrible but decent lesson. The more they play at this level, the more they learn and we’re confident they can make big improvements.”

While this chance at Olympic qualification has sailed, Revington says there is still plenty to do and remaining an A division side is what needs to be secured for Ireland to continue moving up the chain.

“The crucial step in doing that is staying inside the top five or six in Europe. That’s why we’re here, to end up playing sides like the Dutch, but we have other games we have to deal with to make sure we stay in that five or six.

“The players set themselves goals for the tournament. They would be disappointed they haven’t pushed into the top two in the pool. At the same time, they would have benefited from the experience and high level of competition.”

Meanwhile, Paul van Ass sang the praises of Eugene Magee, John Jermyn and David Harte – the former pair protégés of his at HGC – while also saying the Irish “belong at this level” of competition.

It leaves Ireland in the relegation pool in reasonable shape, carrying over three points due to their French win. A win against Russia – whom they hammered 9-3 in July – on Friday will probably be enough to retain ‘A division’ status, something they have never achieved before since the tiered system came into place. Into the bargain, such a finish will lift them to a highest ever world ranking.

Otherwise, Spain are the next challenge on Sunday as they were left stunned by Belgium who came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 with a trio of truly brilliant goals from Tom Boon, Jerome Dekeyser and Maxine Luycx on his 300th cap.

Ireland: D Harte, J Jackson, G McCabe, R Gormley, M Watt, E Magee, M Darling, T Cockram, D Ames, P Gleghorne, C Harte
Subs: C Cargo, J Brennan, J Jermyn, A McConnell, I Sloan

Netherlands: J Stockmann, W Jolie, T Taekema, R Kempermann, T de Noiijer, B De Voogd, R Hofman, R van den Horst, V Verga, B Bakker, T Jenniskens
Subs: K Vermuelen, R Weusthof, J Hertzberger, F Evers, S De Wijn

EuroHockey Nations Championships
Pool B results: England 8 (A Jackson 3, J Tindall 2, R Alexander 2, A Dixon) France 1 (F Magner); Ireland 4 (E Magee, G McCabe, T Cockram, M Watt) Netherlands 7 (T Taekema 4, B de Voogd 2, T de Nooijer)
Standings: 1. Netherlands 9pts (+11) 2. England 6pts (+8) 3. Ireland 3pts (-3) 4. France 0pts (-16)

Pool A results: Germany 7 (J-M Montag 2, M Furste 2, C Wesley, T Stralkowski, F Fuchs) Russia 0; Belgium 3 (T Boon, M Luycx, J Dekeyser) Spain 2 (R Oliva, J Fernandez)
Standings: 1. Germany 9pts (+11) 2. Belgium 6pts (+5) 3. Spain 3pts (+2) 4. Russia 0pts (-18)

** Photos courtesy of Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile; for more click here

** Paul Revington, Ronan Gormley and Dutch coach Paul van Ass spoke to the press after the game; hear their responses to questions from Stephen Findlater, David Medcalf and Siobhan Madeley

Irl vs Netherlands presser by stevie_findlats

** Field Hockey TV’s highlight package from today’s game between Ireland and the Netherlands

** To look back on The Hook’s live feed from the game, check out the minute-by-minute report below