Mullan’s troops looking to finish World Cup on a high

Katie Mullan says there is still a “burning desire” within the Irish women’s team to show what they are capable of as they prepare for two classification matches to close out their World Cup campaign in Amsterdam.

On Sunday at 12pm (Irish time), they will face either Germany or South Africa – who meet on Saturday evening – in the first phase of the 9th to 16th place qualifiers with Ireland hoping to outdo their pre-tournament ranking of 12th.

“We didn’t want things to go like this but the difference between this and the last World Cup is that there’s still something very important to play for,” Katie Mullan said of these fixtures.

“I really do still believe in this group and there is a lot more to show. It’s important we come out in the next two games and show that.

“It’s important we stay switched on and everyone has a burning desire to still play the hockey we are capable of playing at this World Cup. We are grateful to still be here and competing.”

In the wider context, the fixtures will give Ireland’s young players a chance to get more time together to build cohesion and understanding with a number of big tournaments on the horizon.

In August, Ireland will play in the European Championship qualifiers in Dublin and then will face the inaugural FIH Nations Cup in December in Spain, all important milestones along the road to a push for Paris 2024.

And while Ireland did bow out of the main competition in the World Cup group stages, Ellen Curran says it can be used as part of the team’s growth.

“Personally, despite the results, I have really enjoyed the tournament. I finally feel like I fit in within the team and am getting comfortable in that right back position.

“We did have fun against Germany; we did have really good periods of play; it’s just not connecting in the final 25. We still have games to go and we will try and prove a point in those and we have the makings of a really good side.”