Spain hit Ireland for seven in FIH Pro League

Ireland 0-7 Spain

Ireland's woes in the in the FIH Pro League continued as Spain hit them for seven in India.

Despite conceding a long corner to Spain in the first minute, Ireland responded when Ben Walker attacked the Spanish semi-circle a minute later, winning the first penalty corner of the match. This produced another penalty corner for Ireland from which Shane O’Donoghue’s effort was saved by Spanish goalkeeper Luiz Calzado.

However, Ireland fell behind just a minute later as Spain’s José Bastera scored from open play.

Spain moved further ahead in the 13th minute when Alvaro Iglesias struck, and that remained the score at the end of the first quarter.

Ireland were awarded another penalty corner at the start of the second quarter but Luiz Calzado saved from O’Donoghue.

Joaquin Menini was green-carded for Spain in the 25th minute but Ireland were unable to make the player advantage count. Ireland’s Charlie Rowe was then green-carded in the 28th minute.

Spain started the second half strongly with Iglesias getting his second of the match in the 31st minute. Eduard Ignacio-Simo then scored from open play in the 35th minute to make it 4-0.

Spain had two back-to-back penalty corners and Borja Cavalle converted the second in the 47th minute to make it 5-0 before Iglesias completed his hat-trick three minutes later.

Spain still had time for one more goal with Marc Reyne on target to round off a miserable day for Mark Tumilty’s side.

Ireland’s final game of the Indian phase of FIH Pro League takes place on Sunday when they face the hosts at a sold-out stadium in Rourkela.

Head coach Tumilty felt that his side’s lack of discipline cost them dearly.

"I thought we started the game well and created chances, unfortunately we were unable to