IRELAND 1 – 2 SOUTH AFRICA
Saturday, November 29 – India: The Ireland U21 Men were narrowly beaten in their second outing in Pool A of the FIH Junior World Cup in India. Having gone a goal down, Ireland fought back to draw level through a sweet Matthew McKee strike. But South Africa’s late goal in the final quarter proved the decisive moment.
An intense opening quarter saw both Ireland and South Africa manage circle penetrations but to no avail. A heavy tackle on Rex Dunlop set the tone for what proved an intense matchup. South Africa won the first penalty corner of the tie, but Ireland defended well to stay level with five minutes remaining in the first quarter. The Irish defence was called into action once more in the opening phase as South Africa broke with speed, but James Clark was on hand to thwart their efforts.
Ireland began the second quarter brightly with an excellent attack which was millimetres from getting the final touch to send the ball goalward. James Coffey was called into action immediately after to deny South Africa down the other end. Coffey was called on again from a penalty corner, which he was equal to, booting the ball clear.
Penalty corners for South Africa provided them opportunities late in the first half to break the deadlock, but Ireland’s defensive unit was equal to the challenge. The sides went into the break on level terms.
South Africa provided several attacking threats early in the second half, with Coffey required to keep them at bay. South Africa found the back of the net with six minutes remaining in the third quarter, but the goal was ruled out, and Ireland breathed a sigh of relief.
South Africa’s attacking pressure eventually came good as they capitalised on a rare defensive error from Ireland, drove into the circle and squeezed the ball into the net.
Ireland responded immediately working the ball well into the circle from a long corner before it sat up perfectly for Matthew McKee to volley home, drawing Ireland level with a minute remaining in quarter 3.
With the wind in their sails, Ireland continued to threaten early in the final quarter as they flashed a ball past the South Africa goal. Individual brilliance down the left side saw Greg Williams win a penalty corner, from which Ireland opted for a variation but Williams’ ball to the back post just evaded Sam Dale.
South Africa, however, responded, throwing an aerial into the circle and playing a ball across goal which was tapped in at the back post to restore their lead. Despite Ireland’s efforts, South Africa kept them at bay to walk away as 2-1 victors.
Ireland will face reigning champions Germany in their final Pool A match on Monday, December 1 at 08:00 Irish Time.