Ireland missed an opportunity to seize control of their World Cup future after losing 3-2 to Spain in a thrilling opening World Cup Pool C game in Wavre.
Ireland went behind twice after goals from Laia Vidosa and Sophia Keenan but fought back with Hannah McLoughlin and Niamh Carey scoring from penalty corners.
Despite Gareth Grundie's side being in the ascendancy, a superb strike from Xantal Gine with five minutes remaining broke Irish hearts.
"We were very disappointed with our second quarter of that game," Irish captain Sarah Hawkshaw told BBC Sport NI.
"We thought we started quite well, and in the second half we dominated most of the momentum of the game. But the second quarter, we were disappointed with that. It put us on the back foot.

#pool

Ireland women must plan for the forthcoming World Cup without distinguished goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, who has been ruled out of the tournament through injury.
McFerran's many achievements in the game included being named Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2018 World Cup, at which Ireland were silver medallists.
Head coach Gareth Grundie has announced a 20-player squad to travel to Wavre, Belgium.
In McFerran's absence, Lizzy Murphy and Holly Micklem are named, offering them their first chance to potentially represent Ireland in goals on one of hockey's biggest stages.
The side will be making their third successive appearance at at a World Cup, having beaten ****** an in a shootout in the bronze medal match in Santiago to ensure qualification for the 2026 edition.

#named #ayeisha #head #grundie