Irish Hockey

Graham Hamilton in Dublin

It was just what the doctor ordered.

Linda Caulfield's goal against France gave Ireland the win they so badly wanted to kick-start their European campaign, and with the grandstands packed, and no hint of rain, the hosting of the European Nations Cup in Dublin looks like being a big success.

Irish coach Riet Kuper and assistant Graeme Francey know that the team deserved more than a 1-0 victory but there was a certain amount of anxiety among their players as they sought an opening win in front of the home crowd.

In the end any sort of win was sufficient to build upon.

There are harder games to come against Spain on Tuesday (6.00pm) and pool favourites Holland on Wednesday (7.00pm) but the chances of gaining a top six finish and a place in the forthcoming World Cup qualifier remains a possibility.

It took just five minutes for the big four-figure crowd to come to life.

Jenny McDonagh (Belfast Harlequins) set off on a fine run, won the penalty corner and although the French keeper saved the initial shot, Linda Caulfield cracked the rebound home.

Catriona Carey should have made it two but her shot was comfortably saved and just before the break McDonagh - who was Ireland's best player - fired a shot wide on the reverse stick.

Ireland continued to be the better team in the second-half but they failed to put away some reasonable chances.

Nikki Symmons tried to round the keeper but overran the ball; Jenny Burke was denied at the expense of a penalty corner following another good run by McDonagh; Linda Caulfield had a goal ruled out from a penalty corner; and Eimear Cregan blasted one over the bar.

There were a few anxious minutes at the finish but the host nation held out for a comfortable win.

Holland beat Spain 3-0 in an earlier game and it's Spain that Ireland face next.

A win would guarantee a place in the semi-finals but it won't be easy - Spain showed a resilience in defence with goalkeeper Maria Jesus Rosa particularly impressive, and even denying the Dutch from the penalty spot.

In the other pool Germany and England had effortless wins over Scotland (8-0) and the Ukraine (4-0) and should progress to the last four later in the week.

Results - Pool A: Ireland 1 France 0; Holland 3 Spain 0.Pool B: England 4 Ukraine 0; Germany 8 Scotland 0.

Today's fixtures - Pool B: Scotland v England (4pm); Germany v Ukraine (6pm).

Tuesday's fixtures - Pool A: Holland v France (5pm); Ireland v Spain (7pm).

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