Hockey Women's European Championships Ireland 1 Ukraine 1The Irish women achieved their primary objective of the European Championships after a 1-1 draw with Ukraine secured their third place in the pool and a play-off place for positions between five and eight.
It also means when the event is reduced to eight teams in 2005, coach Riet Kuper's Irish side will be among the starters.
Ireland again looked to the speed of Lynsey McVicker, who pounced on a loose ball on 48 minutes for Ireland's only goal. That strike negated Ukraine's 20th-minute short corner from Maryna Litvinchuk.
"We were holding back in the first half," said Kuper. "We had to be careful of their number eight (Kobzenko) who was very, very dangerous. I didn't want to get caught in the counter (attack)."
Jenny Burke was again a tower of sense in the forward line with McVicker and the unyielding Jill Orbinson in midfield, while Ciara O'Brien produced one of her commanding displays in defence.
In the first half, as Ukraine pressed, the Irish defence lost its fluidity but as the match progressed the game opened up and with the Ukrainian strike force always menacing, goalkeeper Angela Platt was kept busy. Gaining more control in the second half Ireland looked more comfortable and, defending in numbers, saw out the draw.
It emerged that Burke made a pre-tournament arrangement with Kuper when she was allowed to fly back to Ireland to attend the wedding of a friend and miss the game against Germany last Friday. Burke arrived back on Saturday morning. She had been reluctant to commit herself to playing in the event until persuaded to do so by Kuper.
Today Ireland's final pool game is against England. They defeated Germany 5-1 over the weekend. Defeat here and Ireland would still remain in third position in the group.
IRELAND (v Ukraine): A Platt; L Caulfield, C O'Brien, D Sixsmith, K Maybin, J Orbinson, R Kohler, S McKeever, E Cregan, J Burke, L McVicker. Rolling. Subs: S Beaney, K Bateman, K McKean.
