Ireland 3-2 India
Ireland claimed a shock victory over India in the Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia to claim their first victory of the tournament.
Having lost their previous four games, Ireland came into the match as underdogs against an India side that still harboured hopes of qualifying for the medal games.
It was an even contest for much of the fixture with both sides creating chances and both goalkeepers called upon to make some strong saves.
Jamie Carr was in action first as he controlled his circle with an important boot to intercept a cross ball. But there was nothing he could do about India’s opening goal as Ramandeep Singh dove in at the post to deflect home from Varun Kumar’s initial penalty corner shot in the 10th minute.
Ireland weren’t deterred as Sean Murray, a threat from start to finish, sent a shot just wide and that was closely followed by Shane O’Donoghue forcing a diving save from Suraj Karkera.
It was O’Donoghue who claimed the equaliser as he calmly placed the ball past the oncoming keeper; following a pinpoint pass from Chris Cargo to start the move and a skilful slip from Kirk Shimmins to the waiting O’Donoghue.
India regained the lead again minutes later as Amit Rohidas sent a penalty corner drag high into the corner to send his side into the break leading 2-1.
Ireland were quick out of the blocks in the second half and Murray got the equaliser in the 36th minute. Shimmins sent a ball across goal and Murray stepped his marker to deflect home from close range.
The momentum remained with the Irish for much of the half despite the energy sapping heat and humidity, and Lee Cole gave his side the lead 5 minutes later. Murray won his team their second penalty corner of the contest and the variation saw O’Donoghue’s low drag deflected past the keeper by the diving Cole.
India went all out attack, withdrawing their keeper and they went is search of goals with a draw no good for their hopes of reaching the final. They won further penalty corners but resolute Irish defence saw the danger off.
The two sides will meet again tomorrow in the fifth/sixth place match at 7:30am Irish time.
