Ireland 1 Australia 2
Brave Ireland put up a real fight against the women's World Cup hosts Australia, but a 2-1 defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom of Pool B without a point after three matches.
The Irish were not given a chance going into the game, and it appeared they were in for a torrid time when Karen Smith converted a penalty corner rebound and captain Katrina Powell's diving reverse-stick strike put the Hockeyroos 2-0 up inside 14 minutes.
However, the defending champions were stunned 10 minutes later when Jenny Burke pulled back a goal from open play.
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Australia stepped up the pressure in the second half but found Ireland goalkeeper Angela Platt in inspired form, repelling a series of penalty corners.
PA