Ireland shocked Germany in the Women's Olympic hockey qualifying tournament in Auckland on Tuesday.

A 30th-minute penalty corner from Eimar Cregan gave Ireland the lead before Germany equalised through Marion Rodewald just before half-time.

Germany would have qualified for Athens with a win but Ireland were unlucky not to gain their second victory in Pool A.

''I'm not happy. We should have won. But I'm not disappointed with the result,'' said Irish coach Reit Kuper.

Ireland were by far the more postive side and found plenty of running in their legs despite a 5-1 drubbing by hosts New Zealand earlier in the week.

Goalkeeper Angela Platt had little to do as the attack keep the ball in the German half for most of the game.

However, despite forcing the game, Ireland just failed to take their chances and lacked the necessary firepower in the circle.

Ireland grabed their goal on the half-hour when Cregan's short-corner shot was deflected into the top corner.

It was no more than Ireland deserved but they fell to a sucker punch with Rodewald's equaliser from a short corner in the 35th minute.

''Every person did their job,'' said Kuper. ''We created chances, and put a lot of pressure on their defence.

''Our midfield was superb and we did not give away too much defensively.''

Lyndsey McVicar the Ireland c aptain was also delighted with the team's performance.

''After the New Zealand defeat, we had to focus mentally and tactically going into this game,'' she said.

''We benefitted from a lot of excellent work up front.''