IRELAND 1 – 7 GERMANY
Monday, December 1 – Chile: Germany proved too much for the Ireland U21 Women’s Hockey team as the Pool C top seed side came away with a 7-1 win in the opening match of the FIH Junior World Cup in Chile. Germany built an unassailable lead before Ireland scored late through Rebekah Lennon to open their account at the tournament.
Ireland brought the game to Germany immediately as they looked to impose themselves on the top seed in their pool. Ireland won the first penalty corner of the game, which captain Amy Handcock attempted to flick into net but was well saved. Germany went up the other end and with their first shot on goal found the bottom of the corner to break the deadlock inside four minutes.
Germany’s goal settled their nerves as they pinned Ireland back, eventually winning a penalty corner which they dispatched for their second.
Lucy McGoldrick was called into action twice in the latter stages of the opening period and was equal to the task.
Ireland again brought intensity into the second quarter, but Germany had the first shot of goal of the period which McGoldrick kicked clear. Germany worked the ball back into the circle and won the melee to extend their lead to three. Germany added a fourth from a penalty corner, getting on the end of the rebound first and finding the back of the net.
Germany’s relentlessness continued into the second have as they pressed Ireland high and kept Lucy McGoldrick and the defensive line busy. Ireland held them at bay until they won a penalty corner which Lena Frerichs converted. Several more chances kept the Irish defence busy, but they held out to prevent Germany extending their lead further.
Ireland got a rare opportunity to reduce the deficit early in the final quarter when Milla Fulton won a penalty corner, but the corner was not executed and the chance passed them by. It wasn’t long however before Germany connected well to grab their sixth from open play.
Germany’s seventh came with six minutes remaining, again reacting quickest to latch onto the free ball after McGoldrick’s save and find the net.
Ireland clawed a goal back from a penalty corner, switching the ball left where Portadown’s Rebekah Lennon was on hand to slap into the net and open Ireland’s account. But it was just a consolation as Germany ran away 7-1 winners.
Ireland will face Namibia in their second Pool C match on Wednesday, December 3 at 12:00 Irish Time.