Ireland secure top spot in World Cup qualifying pool

Ireland men secured top spot in their FIH Hockey World Cup qualifying group thanks to a 4-1 win over Poland in Wednesday's final Pool B game in Chile.

The Irish made it two wins from two thanks to a 6-1 thrashing of Korea on Tuesday, which secured a place in the last four of the tournament.

They followed that up with another four goals against Poland to complete a perfect pool stage ahead of Friday's semi-final, where victory will secure a spot for the World Cup later this year.

Louis Rowe got Ireland off and running before fifth goal of the tournament doubled their advantage before half-time.

Ben Walker's efforts were rewarded with a goal in the 40th minute before Matt Nelson wrapped things up with the fourth after their opponents had pulled back a late consolation.

Ireland edged in front on 15 minutes thanks to Rowe's third goal of the tournament before Cole converted from a penalty corner six minutes later to leave them two goals to the good at the break.

The goals kept coming in the second half as Walker and Nelson found the net either side of a Wojciech Rutkowski consolation for Poland.