Ireland 3 - 1 Azerbaijan - EuroHockey Nations Championships

25 Aug 2011


Ireland knew going into this game a win was essential to stay in the top flight of European hockey. They showed from the start they meant business and forced early pressure on the Azerbaijan's with O Flynn twice dragging from early penalty corners one deflected over and the second just missing touch from Smyth. The midfield of Clarke, Smyth and McKay were in command and they got their just reward 4 minutes from half time when from their 5th corner of the half Harvey dragged the ball taking a deflection off a Azer stick into the net. Ireland deservedly 1-0 up at half time.


The first quarter of the second half was a very tense affair with not many chances for either side. In the 58th minute after good work by Watkins down the left Clarke took a quick free drove into circle finding Jacob whose shot was parried but Clarke was on hand to finish Ireland 2-0 and in control. Ireland had their sixth corner of the game in the 61st minute but this time O'Fynn's drag is charged down and Azer break. In the 63 minute the goal of the game when following some lovely interchange O Halloran, Symmons and Speers all involved, Symmons finished with a diving low reverse to put Ireland 3-0 up and in commanding position. Azer got their consolation in the 68th minute scoring from their 3rd corner in the 68th minute when their captain Yoon Seon Kim got a stick to their PC strike leaving Gray with no chance.


The late goal, though, leaves us in third place and needing to outdo Azerbaijan's result on Sat. Ireland play Italy at 08.30 whilst at 10.30 Azerbaijan play Belgium. The positions in Pool with all teams having played 2 games is as follows:

  1. Belgium 6 pts + 7 GD
  2. Azerbaijan 3 pts 0 GD
  3. Ireland 3 pts -1 GD
  4. Italy 0 pts - 6 GD


Coach Muller after the game said "he was very happy with the team and the overall performance. They defended really well and took the chances created. It is still all to play for and will now focus on Italy who are a totally different side than the one we have just played"