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Unbeaten Dutch giants stand in way of Ireland’s EuroHockey semi-final hopes: ‘By far the hardest continent’
@Source: independent.ie
Mullan, 31, will be playing with freedom in the forward lines at her sixth EuroHockey Championships after eight years as captain and handing over to Sarah Hawkshaw following the Paris Olympics.
As Mullan nears 250 international caps, Larmour will compete against the fearsome Dutch this afternoon in just her second match after shining for Belfast Harlequins last season.
“She had a few tough injuries as a youngster, but she has fought to get to this place,” said Mullan. “She is a very mature athlete, level-headed and really reliable at the back. I am very excited for her at this tournament.
“You will see the raw Irish mentality in her and her stability means we rely on Katie even though she has one cap.”
The Dutch are unbeaten at the Europeans since 2015 as they aim to become the first nation of either gender to win five titles in a row.
Five of the top eight women's teams in the world rankings are competing, as world No 11 Ireland eye a EuroHockey semi-final berth for the first time after twice finishing fifth in their last three tournaments.
“We haven’t broken the back of the Europeans yet,” said Mullan. “It’s by far the hardest continent as you have so many good teams, so making the semi-finals would be huge for us.
“It’s performance after performance and there are two things you want to do at an international tournament: to play the best team and play the hosts.”
Gareth Grundie’s side will also play pool encounters against France and hosts Germany in a key competition before their first foray into the FIH Pro League next season.
Netherlands v Ireland
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