HOCKEY Mens World Cup Qualifier - Argentina

22 November 2009

IRELAND 2-1 CZECH REPUBLIC 25'IRL D.AMES (FG) 54' CZE S.BERNATEK (FG) 76' IRL T. COCKRAM (PC) IRELAND finish on a high defeating Czech Republic by 2-1 and clinch third place and the bronze medal. Ireland took the lead in the 25th minute when David Ames scored from play. The Czech's equalised in the 54 minute and with further goals the game went into to Golden Goal extra time. Ireland clinched their bronze when Timmy Cockram scored in the 76 minute

21 November 2009

Irelands chances of reaching the World Cup in New Delhi in March 2010 were dashed this afternoon after they were defeated 4-0 by Argentina in Quilmes, Buenos Aires. However the score-line does not reflect a game in which they played hard and never gave up. Ireland opened well in the first 10 minutes, retaining possession, good two touch hockey and controlled movement but once again by line defence let them down in the 12th minute when the Argentines slipped past 2 defenders for a tap in from close range. Argentina took a 2-0 lead in the 18th minute with a well taken penalty corner just inside the right post and went 3-0 ahead in the 23rd minute from a deflected penalty corner. Half-Time: Ireland 0 Argentina 3 Ireland regained composure in the second half and were unlucky not to reduce the deficit in the early stages. Argentina were a awarded a penalty stroke in the 49th minute when a forward was alleged to have been fouled on a goal scoring opportunity. The stroke was calmly taken to make it 4-0 Ireland played the remainder of the match all out with every player giving 100% effort but it was to no avail. Ireland finish on equal points with Czech Republic but with a +8 goal difference and will play them tomorrow for third place. The match will start at 1505 hrs (Irish time) tomorrow.