Irish women's Olympic hopes over

Nikki Symmons and her team-mates suffered disappointment

Ireland's hopes of competing in the women's competition at the Beijing Olympics were ended as they lost 2-0 to Italy in the qualifying tournament.

The Irish needed only a draw to keep their hopes alive but second-half goals from Chiara Tiddi and Francesca Faustini gave the Italians victory.

The opening goal came after the Italians were awarded a controversial short corner.

Italy will go to play hosts South Korea for the place in Beijing on Sunday.

Ireland will face Canada in the third-place play-off on Sunday evening.

The Irish won their three opening games in the tournament against Malaysia (3-0), Canada (2-0) and Uruguay (1-0) before losing 5-1 against hosts Korea on Thursday.

I