Despite trouncing the USA 8-0, Ireland’s Olympic hopes hang by a thread at the qualification tournament in New Zealand.
Mark Gleghorne struck four times to become the competition’s top scorer with eight goals from his four games.
Andy Barbour, John Jermyn, Ronan Gormley and Eugene Magee were also on the score-sheet but the side may rue not scoring more as they were 7 up with over 25 minutes remaining and a chance to gain a goal-difference advantage.
Indeed, it may well come down to such a margin as Argentina beat the hosts New Zealand 3-1. It means Ireland must now beat the South Americans on Saturday and hope France can take points of the Black Sticks to reach the final.
If both win, then the playoff places for the sole Olympic spot available will be decided on goal difference.
A satisfied coach Passmore said after the game "given the distractions of the game be
fore, this was a big performance and we played some excellent hockey. We can take real confidence into the final group game, which I am confident we can wn by the margins needed."
The day marked a significant landmark for skipper Paddy Brown who reached his 149th cap, equalling the record of Marty Sloan as Ireland’s most capped player.
Mark Gleghorne struck four times to become the competition’s top scorer with eight goals from his four games.
Andy Barbour, John Jermyn, Ronan Gormley and Eugene Magee were also on the score-sheet but the side may rue not scoring more as they were 7 up with over 25 minutes remaining and a chance to gain a goal-difference advantage.
Indeed, it may well come down to such a margin as Argentina beat the hosts New Zealand 3-1. It means Ireland must now beat the South Americans on Saturday and hope France can take points of the Black Sticks to reach the final.
If both win, then the playoff places for the sole Olympic spot available will be decided on goal difference.
A satisfied coach Passmore said after the game "given the distractions of the game be
fore, this was a big performance and we played some excellent hockey. We can take real confidence into the final group game, which I am confident we can wn by the margins needed."The day marked a significant landmark for skipper Paddy Brown who reached his 149th cap, equalling the record of Marty Sloan as Ireland’s most capped player.
14 comments:
Are they not through if they come third? Can someone clarify the situation for me! Thanks
The top two teams at the end of the preliminary round matches play off in the all important final, with the winner qualified for the Beijing Olympic Games. The 3rd and 4th placed teams play for the bronze medal, and the 5th and 6th placed teams meet in the 5th place playoff.
so only one place goes through to the final?? In that case good luck to us!
Sadly i feel it will be a bridge too far!! Watched the live streaming of all the games and looked like we were playing really well, if only we could have gotten those extra goals but alas they could do it and il be the 1st one to eat my hat. BEST OF LUCK LADS!!!
Only one team will qualify from this tournament for the Olympics. Looks like the NZ match was the all important one
they still havent played argentina
If they beat Argentina by 2 goals they are into the Final. Word from the camp is that they can beat NZ in the Final and they are alot fitter than them and NZ resutls have been getting worse instead of better!!
I have no doubt that they can beat NZ if they play them again. Can't see them beating Argentina though.
shame you didn't leave your name to that comment....
Gonna play devils advocate here, but is there a chance the Argies will let us win by the required in order to play us and not NZ in the final? Probably not as we play before NZ and could go belly up if we do do the required and then NZ spank france and they go out.. just a thought.
No need to leave my name...it aint gonna happen. If it does, i will reveal my identity
Are the highlights available on line anywhere?
Ireland just beat the argentinians there....but only 1-0..means they have beaten both France and Argentina and still probably won't go through. So unlucky
"If ireland beat Argentina, il walk a lap of every pitch in Ireland naked. And passers-by can slap me in the ass"
right ireland just beat argentina so lets see that walk of every pitch haha
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