Irish coach David Passmore was left seething over the unavailability of video technology for the group games at hockey’s Olympic qualification tournament in New Zealand.
They lost 3-1 to the hosts, the Black Sticks, after leading 1-0 through a Mark Gleghorne drag-flick early on.
The games pivotal moment, though, came in the 25th minute when David Kasoof appeared to chest home past David Harte rather than use his stick for the equaliser. Kasoof barely celebrated but umpire Robert Ten Cate awarded the goal.
And despite Irish protestations, the official was not allowed to go to the video umpire, a facility reserved only for the play-off games in this competition.
Passmore said afterwards” it is pointless having a video umpire for only the final game especially when critical mistakes happen like today. 
“All the sides have invested so much time, effort and financial investment and to only have it available for the play off match defies logic."
Clearly rocked by the decision, the Irish fell behind within 60 seconds when Ben Collier netted to trail 2-1 at the break.
He got his second early in the second half before Ireland missed several gilt-edged chances to get back into the game; John Jermyn, Mark Black and Andy Barbour all going close.
On the performance, Passmore added “That aside there were some pleasing aspects of our play and we created enough chances, but were too frantic in front of goal particularly in the second half.”
Following Ireland’s excellent win against France, Ireland will now need to win their final three games to reach the tournament final.
4 comments:
Kiwi commentator on official website had a different viewpoint ... http://www.olympicqualifiermennz.sportcentric.com/
"New Zealand levelled the score with a goal that sparked fierce protests by the Irish, as an elevated hit from the far right hit an Irish defender's body before being slammed into the net by Dave Kosoof for his fifth goal of the tournament."
Even this commentary leaves it open to debate, as while you can play advantage after it hit the body.... it crucially doesn't mention where it hit the defenders body... i.e. was it raised dangerously into the circle... hit off the defenders thigh and then played into the goal???
Any antipodean friends actually at the match that can clarify??
New Zealand Herald correspondent probably more honest:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/author/story.cfm?a_id=24&objectid=10490439
"He swept it to the centre of the goal from where Kosoof, with what appeared a mixture of stick and chest, guided the ball home to the chagrin of the Irish who appealed vehemently to Dutch umpire Rob ten Cate."
Anyway - the umpire is always right ...
Thanks for the update... we might get a second bite at them if we can get past Argentina by two goals...
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