Like the bus carrying the Belarus team to Belfast for the European Junior Nations Cup tournament, Ireland developed engine problems when losing 3-0 to Spain in their latest engagement at Upper Malone yesterday. The hosts' second consecutive defeat leaves them needing to beat England tomorrow to clinch third place in Pool A of the competition and a potentially easier first classification match on Friday.
The midfield industry and cohesion which was evident in Sunday's opening 3-1 defeat by Germany, who comprehensively beat the English 3-0 yesterday, was unfortunately lacking. Caitriona Carey, so influential against the defending champions, was particularly closely marshalled but still looked the most likely Irish player to score.
The Spaniards went in front in the 19th minute when their captain, Ivet Imbers, scored from an intricate penalty corner switch. Spain's greater potency in attack was illustrated in the 48th minute when Imbers took a quick free and Silvia Munoz's deflected shot looped high into the net beyond the despairing grasp of Irish goalkeeper, Angela Platt. Seven minutes later, Marta Prat completed the finalities with a skilful reverse stick effort.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)