IRELAND 1 – 5 GERMANY
Monday, December 1 – India: The Ireland U21 Men suffered defeat to Germany in their final FIH Junior World Cup pool stage match.
A balanced opening period saw both sides enjoy periods of possession, but Germany threatened from their first entry into the Irish circle playing a ball across goal that was deflected into the back of the net after four minutes, seeing the reigning champions take an early lead.
Ireland, however, responded well, Rex Dunlop beating his opposite man and playing an inviting ball into the circle that was just out of reach of Matthew McKee.
Jake Fulton had an opportunity next which was well blocked, before John Cunningham showed his skills to make his way into the circle and win Ireland’s first penalty corner of the match, which German keeper Jasper Ditzer saved off the line.
Ireland made a quick start to the second quarter, with Alfie LeQuesne forcing a good tackle from the German defence in their circle to deny him a shot on goal. A second chance came soon after as James Clark found Matthew McKee in the circle with an aerial. McKee’s reverse shot was parried into the air, with Greg Williams getting to it first with his volleyed effort going just over the bar.
Germany responded, calling Rex Dunlop into action to make a last-ditch tackle, followed by a save from James Coffey to keep it a one score game.
Milo Thompson won a penalty corner to give Ireland their next chance at goal, but Greg Williams was denied by Ditzer with a good save.
Germany had the final opportunity of the first half from a penalty corner, but Ireland defended well and the score remained 1-0 in Germany’s favour.
Germany started the second half well, winning their sixth penalty corner of the match. Captain Paul Glander stepped up and converted the effort to double the reigning champions’ lead. Ireland continued their efforts to find their goal, with their best chance coming in the final minute, but were snuffed out once more.
Ireland began the final quarter on a positive note as they immediately put Germany under pressure. Ireland forced a double save from Ditzer in the first two minutes, followed by a third save from close range.
Germany, however, got their third, playing a crash ball across goal that was deflected in at the back post by Jonas von Gersum.
Ireland did get the goal they deserved in the tie, Rex Dunlop playing a long-lifted ball to Sam Dale for the Cork Harlequins forward to deflect in. But Germany weren’t long waiting to restore their three-goal lead as they won a penalty stroke which Lukas Kossel converted.
Two penalty corners gave Germany more opportunities to extend their lead, James Coffey denied them from the first and appeared to save the second, but Germany were quickest to the loose ball and found the net for their fifth.
Ireland, didn’t give up winning two penalty corners in the closing minute, but Ireland were denied on both occasions, and Germany came away as 5-1 winners.
Ireland will progress to the Crossover Matches, with the details of who and when they play yet to be determined.