Ireland narrowly beaten by Holland, Bronze medal match awaits
August 27, 2015
Unibet Eurohockey Championship Semi Finals
Ireland 0
Netherlands 1 (Hertzberger)
The world number 2 and current Olympic silver medallists dashed Irish hopes of a Eurohockey Championships final spot in a close contest that ended 1-0 to the Dutch. The Green Machine can still win themselves a medal when they play either Germany or England in the bronze medal match on Saturday at 2pm, regardless of the result Ireland have achieved their best ever result in the Euro’s.
The Irish defence was undone in the 12th minute by Hertzberger who was waiting on Harte’s left post to dispatch a deflected sweep into the goal. Mitch Darling responded almost immediately with a darting run into the circle but his blistering shot was pushed onto the post by the goalkeeper. Shimmins, skills on display throughout, unlocked the Dutch defence, who haven’t conceded a goal the entire tournament, on more than occasion.
Conor Harte, Paul Gleghorne and Ronan Gormley all took knocks in what was a physical encounter at times that saw both teams pick up 1 green and 1 yellow card each. Ireland’s only penalty corner was expertly run down and deflected wide, likewise the green machine defence kept the Dutch penalty corner attack at bay. The Dutch had 18 circle entries but only 5 shots on goal, 3 of which came in one barrage, so credit must go to the Irish players for keeping any Dutch chances to a minimum.
Davey Harte was taken off in the final 2 minutes to allow Ireland play with 11 outfield players and pressurise the Dutch defence but it wasn’t to be. The green machine created history and cemented their deserved presence amongst the top teams in world hockey by simply being in the semi-finals, but they can go one better with a victory on Saturday.
Coach Craig Fulton said “We tried really hard today to get over the line and make the final but it wasn’t to be. The Irish team is strong mentally and will bounce back. We will take the lessons from today and get ready to go again on Saturdayâ€.
Photo Credit: Eleni Henry
Team: Harte (Captain), Jackson, Gormley, Magee, Shimmins, O’Donoghue, Darling, Good, Burton, Gleghorne, Harte.
Source : Irish Hockey
Bench: Cargo, Sothern, Caruth, Robson, Watt, Bell, Fitzgerald.
