CHINA MAKE IRISH SWEAT
ADISAPPOINTING 1-1 draw against China last night left Ireland’s Matthew Nelson relishing a ‘big local derby’ against England to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Ireland had been firm favourites to get their first win of the tournament against the second-lowest ranked team in India.
But form turned dramatically on its head when Jin Guo’s volley gave China a second-half lead before Alan Sothern restored parity 60 seconds later to earn a vital point.
It means that Ireland’s progression will hinge on a highly-anticipated clash on Friday against their English rivals to secure a berth in the cross-over phase.
Nelson said: ‘You knew it would come down to the England match. We will do all we can to qualify now. It’s a big local derby, you could say.’
For all Ireland’s attacking resolve, they couldn’t break down China’s dogged defence either side of their surprise lead.
Alex Cox’s side had hinted at showing a more direct style of hockey. And they certainly showed it in their expansive play, with 24 circle entries to China’s four.
A lifeless opening quarter sparked into life when Sothern shot over the bar and Nelson’s angled run wide saw the Ulsterman find the side netting.
Shane O’Donoghue then nearly clinched the Irish goals record with a piercing backhand strike from a tight angle.
Three circle melees from crash balls into the D also saw China somehow clear their lines with the ball falling kindly after a melee of stick tackles.
And then, despite all Ireland’s circle penetration, a rare China attack yielded a timely penalty corner.
A pirouette switch at the top of the circle was flicked towards goal and turned in expertly by Guo.
It was a move which briefly stunned Ireland. Moments later Michael Robson fired in a pass at speed towards Sothern, who bent low and deflected past the impressive Caiyu Wang.
Ireland then won a late penalty corner of their own and Wang thrust out his right hand to deny O’Donoghue once again.
‘Credit to China, they stuck in the game and made it difficult for us,’ admitted O’Donoghue. ‘We have to improve in certain areas of the game to make sure we win on Friday.
‘There can be no motivation against England, it’s always there. We have to go into the game with plenty of belief.’
Earlier, a fourth quarter blitz by Australia saw the world champions top Pool B with a 3-0 win over England.