Ireland will compete for ninth place at the World Cup on Friday, marking their highest-ever finish in the tournament, despite a 2-1 defeat by France on Sunday. Mark Tumilty's side had already secured the top spot in crossover Pool H before their match in Wavre, following a 3-3 draw between South Africa and Malaysia.
Ireland took the lead in the third quarter through Jeremy Duncan, but France equalised with a goal from Victor Charlet. Timottee Clement then scored for France in the final minute, securing their victory and a place in the game for 13th place.
The finishing position is important for world ranking points, which could secure Ireland the sixth-placed European seed for next summer’s EuroHockey finals. This seeding would guarantee a quarter-final place, potentially leading to an Olympic qualifier spot.