Germany have beaten Ireland 3-2 in the Olympic men's hockey tournament.

Ireland came into the game on the back of defeats against India and Netherlands but just fell short against a side ranked third in the world.

Goals in the first and third quarters from Germany captain Moritz Furste and another goal from Martin Zwicker had been the difference despite Eugene Magee's equaliser for Ireland.

But Germany stretched their lead to 3-1 when Furste added another.

However, with a minute and a half to go, Ireland pulled one back through Michael Darling.

But they couldn't get an equaliser as time ran out in the final quarter.

Ireland's next group matches are against Canada and Argentina as they seek the wins that might qualify them from the group - although it has become a faint prospect to get into the Top 4 in Group B.