Wednesday, August 13 – Monchengladbach: Ireland put together arguably their best performance of the tournament in their final pool stage match against hosts and World #6 Germany. An intense press allowed Ireland to rattle Germany and dominate the tie, but they were unable to find the two-goal win needed to progress to the semi-finals. Ireland will instead play Scotland and England in two final Crossover matches in Monchengladbach to close out their EuroHockey Championship 2025 campaign.
Ireland early pressing caused Germany problems at the back from the off, but a single breakaway was enough to see them win two penalty corners in quick succession, both of which Ireland defended.
After a period of German pressure Ireland were efficient in attack, Mikayla Power receiving the ball on the right flank and winning a penalty corner. Hannah McLoughlin was the option for a straight strike which was well saved and cleared.
Ireland mounted another attack soon after, with Emily Kealy driving into the circle and winning a penalty stroke. Hannah McLoughlin stepped up to take the set piece, and saw her effort saved by Julia Sonntag.
Ireland remained lively in the closing minutes of the first quarter, with Michelle Carey producing an excellent run along the baseline, but Germany cleared. A late chance for twin sister Niamh saw her win a penalty corner. Ireland’s McLoughlin struck again but saw her effort saved.
Ireland’s intensity continued into the second quarter, causing real problems for the German defence through more intelligent pressing. Several turnovers gave Ireland opportunities to run at their opposition’s backline, but strong defence kept them at bay. The sides went into the half-time break on level terms.
Ireland picked up where they left off in the second half, Sarah McAuley driving well down the left and drawing a foul that saw Germany reduced to 10 players following a green card. Ireland used the player advantage well, creating a shooting chance for Katie Mullan which went wide.
Germany however, demonstrated how dangerous they could be, Sophia Schwabe creating a shooting opportunity which Elizabeth Murphy saved.
Two late green cards for Ireland’s Roisin Upton and Niamh Carey meant Ireland had to see out the remaining minutes down two players. Ireland had to defend resolutely to stay on level terms at the end of the third quarter.
Germany created the first chance of the final quarter, winning a penalty corner inside the first two minutes which they put wide of the left post. Ireland responded well, again squeezing the German defence in the press.
With eight minutes remaining, Mikayla Power did superbly to control an aerial from McLoughlin and test substitute goalkeeper Nathalie Kubalski. Niamh Carey won a penalty corner less than a minute later that Germany defended well.
Lizzy Murphy was called into action after a good attacking move from Germany to keep things on level terms.
Ireland withdrew Murphy in a last-ditch effort to get a win with five minutes remaining. A penalty corner with a minute to remain gave Ireland a last chance to get a much-deserved win, testing Kubalski twice in the German net but they couldn’t find the backboard, and the game ended 0-0.
Reflecting on the performance, Head Coach Gareth Grundie said:
“We went toe-to-toe with Germany in front of a home crowd. We certainly had our opportunities; I think if one had gone in in the first quarter it certainly would have put them under pressure.
I think the damage was probably already done on Monday against France. If we had come out of that game with a result, then Germany needing to win tonight would have given us a real opportunity.”
Discussing the quality of the German opposition, Grundie said:
“They are all quality players; they are still sitting in the top 6 in the world. I think we matched them tonight; we had our opportunities and if we can just tidy up some of the small details then we can be a challenge for them again.”
The result means Ireland miss out on a Semi-Final place and instead face Scotland and England in crossover matches to determine their final ranking. They face Scotland first on Friday, August 15 at 11:30 Irish Time, before facing England on Sunday, August 17 at 08:30 Irish Time.