Bonus territory but Ireland want to go further

It is a case of mission accomplished for Ireland in the CPISRA Intercontinental Cup but that doesn't mean that the story has to end.
Paul Cassin's side secured qualification to the quarter-final - and by extension, to the World Championships - by virtue of their 3-2 victory over England on Thursday night.
That was their aim heading to the northern Spanish town of Sant Cugat del Vallés but while they're in bonus territory, Ireland have cause to be confident that they can go at least one step further by beating Group A winners, The Netherlands tomorrow evening.
Ireland beat the Dutch in a penalty shootout after a cracking encounter in the Football For All Gathering tournament in Dublin last May so another close tie is to be expected.
With no injury worries, Cassin is looking forward to what he sees as a fantastic opportunity for his young squad.
"We're coming down to earth now after the England game" said Cassin.
"To be honest, we made hard work of it and gave them two soft goals but they showed the type of character which we know is in them and I felt it was never in doubt.
"Qualifying for the quarter-final and the World Championships was the objective and hopefully it will mean that we might get more funding from the Irish Sports Council, who have been very supportive. We want to get to the next level now.
"We're in good shape going into the game and carry confidence from beating the Dutch in May. I saw them when they beat Scotland 2-1 in the first game of the tournament and the Scots gave them a lot of trouble. I have watched the tapes of their other games too.
"The lads are just buzzing now. Everyone is fit and available for selection and we can't wait for it."

IRELAND SQUAD: Brian McGillivary, Simon Le Strange, Luke Evans, Joe Markey, Gary Messett, Darragh Byrne, Darragh Snell, Aaron Tier, Peter Cotter, Tom Badun, Dillion Sheridan, Ryan Nolan, Paraic Leacy, Eric O'Flaherty

SCHEDULE (IRISH TIME)

Sunday, August 4
Quarter-Final: Ireland v Netherlands 4.30pm

Wednesday-Thursday, August 7-8
Round 3

Friday-Saturday, August 9-10
Final Round