IRELAND BOOKED THEIR place in the Champions Challenge I semi-finals with a four-goal blitz against Poland.

Second-half strikes from Michael Watt, Conor Harte (2) and Shane O’Donoghue gave the “Green Machine” a 4-0 win in Quilmes this afternoon.

Andrew Meredith’s men now face a potential grudge match against Argentina in the final four on Saturday provided the hosts see off winless Canada later this evening.

Argentina won 4-3 when the sides met in the pool stages but Ireland now seem to be hitting their stride after a slow start to Meredith’s first tournament as head coach.

Following a scoreless first half, Watt finally breached the Polish defence to give Ireland the lead in the 45th minute.

Harte took advantage of two penalty corners in the space of four minutes to bag his brace before O’Donoghue made sure of the win with his first goal of the tournament.

Argentina play Canada at 8.30pm (GMT) this evening. Malaysia, coached by former Ireland boss Paul Revington, play South Korea in Saturday’s other semi-final.

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