Olympic hockey qualifiers: Ireland men and women face win or bust finales

The history books that Great Britain women will secure the final Paris ticket on Saturday. Ireland have lost their last six clashes against England, while as a Great Britain team they hold a three-game winning run against the Green Army. 

While Great Britain have dipped considerably in front of goal since Rio (four players also remain from that squad), they do still hold a certain aura in big games. Yet, Ireland have shown consistent form in Valencia and have raised their game since the EuroHockey.

“One of the really good things that we’re doing is we’re just facing every moment that’s in front of us and so we’ll certainly be ready for that,” said Ireland coach Sean Dancer.