Irish watch and learn as they prepare for crucial China clash

IRELAND’S men have been watching videos of China’s performance against England as they plan tactics for this afternoon’s World Cup finals Pool B game in India (1.30pm).

The Asian side arrived in Bhubaneswar as the great unknowns, new to the World Cup scene and having ducked out of recent major tournaments, meaning few nations knew much about their set-up.

China had qualified for the finals through the World Hockey League series but then opted out of the Asian continental championships as they worked and trained together behind closed doors to try make an impact on the world scene.

Their 2-2 draw with England belies their 17th ranking on the world ladder and is a clear warning to the Green Machine that they will have to be at their best to chalk up the win, which would likely guarantee them avoiding early elimination.

Irish coach Alexander Cox has highlighted how the Chinese counter-attack with speed, with particular emphasis on Xiaoping Guo, whose pace caught out England early on, and also how prolific Talake Du is from penalty corners, as he demonstrated late on against England.

“They seem to defend with a lot of players in the 25 and circle,” said Cox.

“Then they like to hit you on the counter-attack, using aerial balls, so we must be on our guard not to get caught out by throwing everyone into attack.

“It was difficult to get video footage of them in advance but at least we’ve had the opportunity to watch how they set up against England and try learn from that.”

The Ireland coach’s message to his players is simple — beware the counter-attack, avoid conceding penalty corners, and be more clinical upfront.

The good news for Cox is that striker Eugene Magee should be fit to face the Chinese.

The Banbridge talisman, who is Ireland’s most capped player on 275 and one of eight Ulstermen in their ranks, had to guard his hand in the narrow 2-1 defeat against Australia last Friday after breaking two fingers during training beforehand.

But he’s had a few more days rest and is keen to lead the attack in a game that the Green Machine really need to win.

England, with three Ulstermen in their ranks, are also involved today with a difficult clash against world champions Australia (11.30am).

Meanwhile, Argentina edged closer to qualifying directly for the quarter-finals by beating New Zealand 3-0 yesterday with goals from Augustin Mazzilli, Lucas Vila and Lucas Martinez,