Ireland 8-2 Russia ; EuroHockey Nations Championship (men)

26 Aug 2011


Ireland fired 8 past a helpless Russia killing the game off in the first half with a 5 star performance leaving the Russian's shell shocked at half time. The first of 5 1st half goals came as early as the 7th minute when Mikey Watt from Ireland's 1st pc of the game picked up a corner rebound to find the net. The second scored by Mitch Darling after lovely silky skills in the circle finishing to the net and the third from their second PC in the 24th minute this time Magee low drag to goalkeepers right. From Ireland's 3rd corner Conor Harte hit the inside of the post. The 4th goal came 3 minutes from half time when Cockram won the ball on left flank outpaced the Russian defence played a lovely 1/2 with Cargo and cooly rounds the keeper for a class goal. Within a minute Ireland's 5th again Cargo involved and a sliding Ames scores from 2 yards. Russia got one back in the final minute got work down the right was finished by Russian Captain Aleksandr Platonov. Ireland 5-1 at half time.


4 minutes into the second half nice work on the right between Caruth and Watt set up McCabe for the 6th but we had to wait until the 63rd and 70th minute for John Jermyn's brace of PC drags both high into the roof leaving the keeper helpless. In between Russia had scored with a delightful lob over keeper Harte in the 50th minute courtesy of Pavel Plesetskiy.


Irish Coach Revington spoke after the game of the excellent team performance with an exceptional first half. The team is expressing itself and playing full of confidence. Ireland will now play Spain on Sunday at 11am (10 Irish time). A win would guarantee 5th position which would equal the best ever finish of an Irish Team at a European Championships.


The positions in Pool C with Russia and Ireland having played 2 games and Spain and France 1 and currently playing each other with 1-1 at half time score.

  1. Ireland 6 Pts +8 GD
  2. Spain 3 Pts + 5 GD
  3. France 0 pts -2 GD
  4. Russia 0 pts - 11 GD


 

Ireland have secured top flight hockey for 2013 at the Euro Hockey Nations in Germany. Earlier today Ireland had a comprehensive victory over Russia and Spain have just defeated France by 2-1 which now means Ireland can finish no worst that 6th at the EuroHockey Championship in Germany. Ireland play Spain on Sunday with a win or draw enough to secure 5th position as the Irish have a superior goal difference.


The positions in Pool C with all teams having played 2 matches is as follows

  1. Ireland 6 Pts +8 GD
  2. Spain 6 Pts + 6 GD
  3. France 0 pts -3 GD
  4. Russia 0 pts - 11 GD