Saturday, June 13 – Cape Town, South Africa: The Ireland Men’s Hockey Team suffered a 2-0 loss to France in their second of three pool stage matches in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup. Despite a dominant opening period, France made good use of their chances at goal, scoring goals either side of half-time to secure the points. The result means Ireland must beat hosts South Africa in their final pool match on Tuesday, June 16 to progress to the Semi-Finals, should South Africa beat the USA this evening.
Ireland dominated the opening quarter, holding possession well and pressing with intensity when required. An early ball across goal from Ben Johnson provided the best chance for Ireland in the opening phase, but his delivery just evaded the onrushing Irish attackers.
A late crash ball into the circle from Gregory Williams split the French defence in the closing seconds of the first quarter. Matthew Nelson dived at the ball and got a touch, but he couldn’t quite redirect the ball towards goal. The seconds finished the opening quarter on level terms.
France imposed themself on the game a little more in the second quarter, attacking Ireland largely on the break. Ireland did well to quell their attacking efforts and deny them routes into the circle. A rare venture into the Irish circle for France ended in a goal, Ireland appealed for backstick, but the video umpire could not provide any advice, so the goal stood.
Ireland had to scramble late in the final seconds of the first half to deny France a second after a wayward back pass gave them an opportunity at net. Captain Kyle Marshall did superbly to close down the French attacker and block the shot at goal.
Ireland continued to dominate possession in the second half, but France were equal to Ireland’s attacking efforts to keep Ireland at bay. An attack down the right flank from Greg Williams ended in a penalty corner having found a foot. Williams was the option from the corner, but France charged down his effort well to maintain their lead.
France though continued to be effective with their rare attacking opportunities, as they struck from the right side of the Irish circle and got a fortuitous deflection in front of Luke Roleston to double their lead.
A penalty corner with three minutes remaining in the third quarter came France’s way but Luke Roleston was alive to their flick at goal to parry the ball over the crossbar.
Ireland continued to push for a route back into the tie, but chances were few and far between as France sat deep. Matthew Nelson almost reduced the deficit, firing at goal on his reverse. Corentin Saunier denied him at the expense of a penalty corner. Greg Williams was once again the option forcing a double save from Saunier with five minutes remaining.
The momentum remained in Ireland’s favour as Evan Jennings broke into the circle to win Ireland’s third penalty corner of the game, but Williams’ effort went wide of the post.
France held out to secure a 2-0 win.
The result sets up a must-win game for Ireland against South Africa on Tuesday, June 16 at 18:00 Irish Time, should South Africa beat the USA this afternoon.
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