WOMEN'S HOCKEY/World Cup qualifier, Ireland 0 Azerbaijan 0: The Ireland squad will have an audience with the Pope at the Vatican today and they could do with some sort of spiritual intervention if they are to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup finals alive tomorrow.
Yesterday they had to be satisfied with fourth place in Pool B when they failed to beat Azerbaijan in the Stadio Tre Fontane in Rome.
The omens do not look encouraging for the remainder of the competition, and today's rest day will be welcomed by the Irish, who remain unbeaten, though four of their five pool games ended in stalemate.
A punishing schedule of three games in as many days has clearly taken its toll.
Ireland are now left with a tough assignment against China in the first of two crossover matches they must win to clinch the fifth and last qualifying berth for the finals scheduled for Madrid in September.
Ideally they would have preferred to meet France, for whom a 3-1 defeat against the Chinese yesterday meant fourth place in Pool A. However, it's probable the Asians would have to be overcome at some stage in the play-offs if Ireland were to defy the odds and progress.
Irish captain Linda Caulfield has been in superb form throughout but even she looked a little jaded yesterday as the midfield had difficulty in providing the strike-force with a decent supply of the ball.
"We're tired alright but we are looking forward to our Papal visit as a wee bit of a break from the tournament," said the Wexford woman. "We'll be saying a few prayers and lighting candles right left and centre."
Judging by yesterday's lacklustre display against Azerbaijan a vastly improved performance will be required, although Ireland's problems have not been all of their own making. The absence of Jenny McDonough through injury was particularly evident yesterday as national coach Riet Kuper admitted.
"She was a very important part of our attacking line and with her injury it made it very hard for the others," said Kuper. "The girls are very tired after three games on consecutive days, something I have never experienced in all my time as Irish coach."
The elements produced that unprecedented scenario as heavy rain forced the postponement of Saturday's scheduled game with New Zealand. The players had to draw on all their reserves to beat Italy on Monday with two goals in the last quarter. In addition, the injection of one pair of fresh legs in the shape of those belonging to Pegasus defender Fiona Ferguson, will not be possible in the play-offs. She was due to fly home to Belfast today to get married on Friday.
Ireland are therefore down to 14 outfield players for the must-win double-header.
Ferguson looked impressive when she came on for her eighth cap yesterday as Kuper used her full but dwindling complement of outfield subs for the first time in the tournament.
The game was forgettable in the extreme, both sides being restricted to a mere handful of chances. Nikki Symmons, operating on the right flank in place of McDonough, had a couple of opportunities in the opening quarter but neither seriously troubled the keeper.
Towards the end of the second half Ireland forced three penalty corners but their routine was ineffective. Catriona Carey did have a chance to test the Azerbaijan goalie in the dying moments but her effort was saved comfortably.
IRELAND: A Platt; C Parkhill, C O'Brien, J Orbinson, F Connery, C Carey, L Caulfield (capt), B McKeever; N Symmons, E Cregan, C McKean. Subs: S Beaney, F Ferguson, A Speers, Z Dahl.
Final standings
Pool A
P W D L F A Pts
England 5 5 0 0 22 2 15
Japan 5 4 0 1 17 5 12
China 5 3 0 2 9 7 9
France 5 2 0 3 6 19 6
Ukraine 5 1 0 4 4 13 3
Scotland 5 0 0 5 4 16 0
Pool B
P W D L F A Pts
Korea 5 4 1 0 16 4 13
US 5 3 1 1 8 7 10
New Zealand 5 2 1 2 10 7 7
IRELAND 5 1 4 0 3 2 7
Italy 5 1 0 4 4 13 3
Azerbaijan 5 0 1 4 3 11 1
Ireland's task
Ireland must beat China in tomorrow's crossovers and then, on Saturday, beat the winners of the game between France and New Zealand if they are to qualify.
Play-off Fixtures - Tomorrow: 9th-12th: Ukraine v Azerbaijan, 7am; Italy v Scotland, 9.30am. 5th-8th: New Zealand v France, noon; China v Ireland, 2.30pm. 1st-4th: England v USA, 5pm; Korea v Japan, 7.30pm.
