Ireland tackle Italy with 'new day' approach to FIH Nations Cup in Spain

Ireland captain Katie Mullan talks to team-mates. (Photo by Worldsportpics/Rodrigo Jaralillo)

The Terressa meeting in Pool A put Ireland – ranked 13th in the world standings – up against a Spain side sitting five spots higher.

Teams will be competing for the prize of a place across the 2024/25 FIH Women’s Pro League.

Ireland opened the scoring off Naomi Carroll’s 13th-minute field goal before a quickfire Spain response from a penalty stroke ahead of ending the first quarter with the home side up by 2-1.

Number three arrived for Spain in the third quarter and it was 4-1 soon after before the final quarter wrapped up the scoring.

Ireland now face Italy on Tuesday from 4 o’clock (UK time).

"Tomorrow is a new day for us, we'll learn a lot of valuable lessons from that game, especially from the second half,” said Ireland captain Katie Mullan. “I think it was tight in the first half.

"Very proud of the girls and I know that there's serious character in this group and that will prove to come to fruition tomorrow."

Ireland close out the group on Thursday against Korea (4 o’clock).

SPAIN: Clara Perez, Lucia Jiminez, Maria Lopez, Marta Segu, Constanza Amundson, Blanca Perez, Begona Garcia, Xantal Gine, Lala Vidosa, Alejanadra Torres-Quevedo, Patricia Alvarez.

Subs (used): Laura Barrios (5 mins), Sara Barrios (4 mins), Julia Strappato (5 mins), Bélen Iglesias (4 mins), Lola Riera (6 mins), Beatriz Perez (3 mins).

IRELAND: Liz Murphy, Sarah McAuley, Elena Neill, Róisín Upton, Ellen Curran, Katie McKee, Sarah Hawkshaw, Michelle Carey, Niamh Carey, Naomi Carroll.

Subs (used): Hannah McLoughlin (3 mins), Sarah Torrans (4 mins), Caoimhe Perdue (4 mins), Charlotte Beggs (3 mins), Christina Hamill (6 mins), Síofra O'Brien (6 mins).