Ireland can take big step to final

Men's Hockey/European Trophy: Today's first crossover match against Austria, which is essentially one of the semi-finals of this European Championship Trophy, is the most important match Ireland have played in two years.in Rome

The last time a game of such import arose was in Barcelona at the 2003 European Championships. Then Ireland failed to achieve what they set out to do, which was to remain competing with the elite teams of Europe. Instead, the Irish side fell out the bottom of the tournament, and that is why they are in Rome this week competing to play at a higher level, and were not in Leipzig a fortnight ago, where the "A" event was staged.

So two years on and Ireland finally have a shot at redemption with the same team core, but a new coach in Dave Passmore.

Ireland have the depth and talent to beat this Austrian side; they have demonstrated as much by scoring 12 goals in three games and conceding five. The only question is whether the team can deliver on demand in the more pressurised, pivotal match.

They could not in Barcelona, but Passmore seems to have imbued the side with a greater confidence within a more professional set-up.

For example, he refused to discuss the issue of the obviously bad floodlighting system here at the Roma club, because to admit the lights are inadequate would be to put an obstacle in the way of the team should they have to play under them. The final is scheduled to be played tomorrow evening.

It is also indicative of the new structure that the less-than-efficient hotel and bus service has on occasion unsettled the meticulously managed campaign. But this is a "can do" outfit, not a squad looking for issues to complain about.

They also understand how important promotion is, with its financial implications. The funding system in place in Ireland rewards success, and with a World Cup qualifying event also up for grabs for the tournament winners that is a critical consideration.

The last time the teams met was three years ago in Vienna at a four-nations tournament on the day that captain Paddy Brown earned his 50th cap. The match finished 1-1.

Disparagingly referred to as "Germany lite" because of their similar gear and a playing style that is similar to but less effective than the world-beating Germans, Austria are, nonetheless, a strong team who are good in the final third of the pitch.

Ireland can also expect some crunching tackles in the mould of the Welsh team, but Austria are a better attacking side than the Welsh.

More positively, Stephen Butler seems to have found a vein of form with short corners and has been rewarded with goals, while the less experienced players, such as Mark Gleghorn, Andy Barbour and Iain Lewers, have stepped up to the pace.

Crucially, Wesley Bateman is on form. This is a tournament where every goalkeeper has been asked to make good saves. At least four a game is the norm and Batemen has been up to it.

Perhaps most importantly of all, Justin Sherriff must find his form from the first game when he was virtually untouchable on the ball. With Mark Irwin and Graham Shaw also in that strike line, Ireland would be strong favourites to come through to the final.