Irish too strong for SA men in semifinal
SOUTH Africa’s men lost their first match of the FIH Hockey World League semifinals, going down 2-0 to Ireland at the Wits Astro in Johannesburg on Sunday evening.
Ireland have lost only one match this year and although it was a close game all around, the visitors looked sharp and in control most of the time.
The half-time score was 1-0 to Ireland, after a goal by Matthew Nelson in the ninth minute.
South Africa ended the second chukka with a flurry of opportunities.
In the minutes leading up to half time, the home team had three penalty corners and came close to scoring, but Irish goalkeeper David Harte showed why he is known as one of the best keepers in the world.
Shane O’Donoghue scored the second goal for Ireland from a penalty corner.
Captain Tim Drummond said the team would keep on working to improve all aspects of their game.
“It was a tough day, but we did create chances and we can take positives from the match,” Drummond said.
“We pride ourselves on our penalty corners, we do have a really strong battery and we will work on it as always. “Our defence is also crucial. “It is important to build confidence and keep on improving.
“We thank the fans for coming out. It really does make a difference and we hope to see them again.”
South Africa conceded some 50 turnovers and Ireland 45.
Circle penetrations were also similar: 25 to 27.
South Africa had 51% of the possession.
Ireland, coached by former South Africa national player Craig Fulton, last year’s FIH coach of the year, are ninth on the world rankings and South Africa 15th.
South Africa’s next match is on Thursday against Germany at 6pm. The men are in the same group as Ireland, Germany, Egypt and Belgium.
On Saturday, the South Africa women’s team drew 0-0 with India.
South Africa is in the same group as Argentina, the US, India and Chile. The SA women’s next match is against Argentina at 6pm tomorrow.
Twenty of the world’s best men and women’s national teams are taking part in these World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
All matches are broadcast live on SuperSport.