Ireland through to World Cup play-offs
Wednesday, 19 April 2006The Irish men's hockey team has reached the play-offs for the final World Cup spot at the BDO World Cup Qualifier in Changzhou, China thanks to a fantastic 2-2 draw with tournament favourites Pakistan.
The point - coupled with a win for Canada over Egypt - ensured the Irish finished fourth in their group, putting them into the classification round where they have to win two matches to claim the remaining spot left for the World Cup.
Stephen Butler's 21st-minute goal cancelled out Dilawar Hussain's opener before Butler then gave Ireland a half-time lead with a penalty corner conversion.
Rehan Butt levelled things up seven minutes after the interval but Ireland held on.
As fourth place finishers in pool A Ireland will play the third place team in pool B (yet to be decided) on Friday at 7.00am Irish time.
