Ireland in fight for Pro League survival after defeat to Germany

The Green Machine, who hadn’t beaten Germany for six years, put up a spirited performance in their penultimate test before the Paris Olympics.

But for all Ireland’s possession, Germany showed clinical circle power to back up their 7-0 win on Sunday.

Ireland coach Mark Tumilty said: “We were excellent in the first-half but at this level we are finding out what you do in the circle really counts. It was another tough lesson.

“If we can get three points against GB it might give us a chance of staying in the Pro League. GB have been really clinical and it’s a challenge we have to embrace.

“If we can stay in the Pro League it will be huge for our programme.”

Gifting too many turnover balls from their weekend drubbing, Ireland tightened up considerably and held possession for large swathes in the first-half.

However, Germany took the lead in thunderous fashion. Gonzalo Peillat sent a flick into post man Kyle Marshall’s elbow in the 36th minute and Timm Herzbruch flicked high past David Harte from the resulting penalty stroke.

As the third quarter closed, Peillat beat Harte with an accurate corner flick into the backboard.

With 60 seconds left, Stadler twice saved on the line from an Irish penalty corner. Germany broke clear and, seconds later, Thies Prinz had the ball in the net.