Ireland 2 - 0 France: Men's hockey EuroHockey Nations

Ireland have kept the dream of a semi final spot alive today, when they beat France 2-0 with two penalty strokes. It was a tense match that saw Ireland with ample opportunity but near misses and good defending by the French meant goals were hard to come back.

France got the first shot away when Pauchet fired at close range but Harte blocked down quickly and immediately Ireland countered securing a penalty corner but the efforts went unrewarded in the 5th minute. Ireland continued to create chances in the first half, with Watt and Cockram making dives and McConnell and Harte delivering quality through balls but the finishing touch continued to evade the Irish.

Ireland came out of the traps hard in the second half securing another penalty corner in the 37th minute but Jermyns drag was denied. Ireland continued to turn the screw as opportunity after opportunity was created but the heavy rainfall on the pitch did nothing to help as the water logged pitch slowed the ball down and long passes which Ireland like to deliver.

France who had rallied well to this point to stem the flow of Irish attacks began to unravel somewhat when they went down to nine and as Darling was taken down mid stride in the circle it was Jermyn who stepped up to take the stroke, flinging it in for a 1-0 lead in the 57th minute.

With France back to 10 players Ireland were reduced to 10 when Harte was given a yellow and France stepped up the pitch securing their 1st penalty corner of the game which went no where near the mark. Ireland were forced to soak up some last minute attacking efforts by Les Bleus but with two minutes to go they were awarded another penalty stroke as France had to throw it all on the line to defend. Again Jermyn as cool as you like and slotted home to the same side for a 2-0 lead. Just seconds later a video appeal went France's way and they were awarded a penalty corner but Harte kept his sheet clean and Ireland walked away with a deserved 2-0 win and some important points in the bag.