Ireland: Irish girls get new Euro schedule ...
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| Irish Hockey |
April 16, 2005
Belfast Telegraph, UK
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European Nations Cup
Ireland's European Nations' Cup draw has been rescheduled and they will now face Holland, France and Spain in the first phase of the August series at Belfield.
The sport's world governing body, the FIH, have prompted the move due to a rankings issue after Ireland had originally been drawn to face Germany and Scotland along with the Spanish.
FIH want the pools to reflect world rankings rather than European rankings, although this won't happen in the Irish men's European campaign, as they are in what is termed the 'B' Division.
It doesn't really change the goalposts much, although with France up first that becomes a 'must win' game for Riet Kuper's squad.
Their aim will be to avoid last place in the group and then be in a position to fight it out for the top six finish which would clinch a place in the World Cup qualifiers.
After playing France on August 14, Ireland face Spain and Holland on August 16 and 17.
The other group now contains Olympic gold medallists, Germany, England, Ukraine and Scotland.
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