HARTE BROKEN BY DEFEAT AS IRELAND EXIT
CAPTAIN David Harte admitted to being ‘heartbroken’ last night after Ireland’s first World Cup in 28 years ended with a 4-2 defeat by England. Ireland only needed a draw to keep their campaign alive, but a crazy third quarter period which saw four goals in three minutes ultimately did for the Irish against a more controlled and composed England side. ‘It’s the small details at the top level and it’s gutwrenching right now,’ admitted goalkeeper Harte. ‘We wanted to get further than we’ve ever done in a World Cup and continue our rise in what we are doing. But we have come up short, I’m heartbroken and so disappointed.’ Ireland looked tense in the opening exchanges and fell behind to a 15th minute David Condon strike during the first half. Alex Cox’s side failed to make any headway into the English circle but no one could have forecast a madcap third quarter, which came alive in the 35th minute when Chris Cargo’s weighted pass went straight into England’s goal. One minute later, David Ames’ deft pass found Liam Ansell, who unleashed from a tight angle to beat Harte at his near post. Ireland were now a constant presence in the England circle and Shane O’Donoghue’s sweetlytaken strike with his second penalty corner attempt broke the Irish goals record (94). But England never let Ireland settle into momentum and, in the 38th minute, James Gall’s stick deflection looped past Harte. Ireland took off Harte and sent on a kicking back for their final onslaught, but couldn’t make the pressure pay. With four seconds left on the clock, England won a last penalty corner and Gleghorne slotted home to end a breathless encounter. Dutchman Cox said: ‘The thing I’m disappointed about is that we waited for a half to play hockey. The second half we gave it everything. We wanted to open the game with a lot of pressure. We didn’t get in the match and it felt like there was too much tension.’ Ireland will rue their 1-1 draw with China as a precursor to their group phase exit. But Cox’s world No 10 side still proved themselves as a force in world hockey. Cox added: ‘You need some luck in the last parts of the game. It’s creating a war zone in the nineyard area and getting the ball in there. We tried but didn’t succeed. I feel empty right now.’