Ireland suffer heavy defeat

Ireland failed in their bid to qualify for the BDO hockey World Cup after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Argentina.

Needing to achieve a heavy win to reach the final of the qualifying competition, Ireland were instead well beaten as goals from Mario Almada, Pedro Ibarra (2) and Lucas Cammareri put paid to their hopes.

Ireland will play Czech Republic in a qualifying series bronze medal match on Sunday, while Argentina will face Belgium in the final.

The winners of the final will go on to play at the World Cup in New Delhi in February and March 2010.