Ireland survived a fightback from Canada to win their crucial men's hockey Group B match 4-2, keeping their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals alive.
Despite losing their opening three matches, Ireland can still progress. A thrilling 4-4 draw between Germany and Argentina means that a win for Ireland against Argentina tomorrow will see Ireland progress.
It was a dream start for Ireland, as their positive tactics were rewarded with a penalty corner inside the first minute, with Shane O’Donoghue on hand to blast Ireland ahead with a powerful shot down the middle.
The UCD student, who has 107 caps for Ireland, had a chance to double his tally just before the end of the first quarter, but his effort from Ireland’s second penalty corner sailed over.
Ireland came under sustained pressure at the start of the second quarter, with Canada securing a penalty corner. Davy Harte made a fine save, but the referee ordered a retake for an infringement.
When Kyle Good charged too early, Ireland were left defending the corner with three outfielders and the keeper, but they still somehow kept the Canadians at bay, and despite a fourth opportunity in the same incident, Canada failed to convert, and Ireland broke the pressure.
There was another scare minutes later when after a scramble the ball popped out to Adam Froese unmarked at the back post, but it was past him before he really got a look at it and Ireland survived.
Things got even better when Canadian captain Scott Tupper conceded another penalty corner, the defender picking up a green card in the process, and O’Donoghue seized the chance, doubling Ireland’s lead with another drag flick goal, this time right in the corner, with Carter helpless to stop it.
And just minutes later Peter Caruth made it 3-0, getting his reward for sprinting to keep up with a breakaway attack, and when Carter could only block an effort from Mikie Watt, Caruth was on hand to convert a difficult chance with a diving effort.
Ireland had yet another chance from a penalty corner, awarded as the clock ran out on the first half, but Carter once again proved his worth to Canada, keeping out O’Donoghue’s effort.
It was looking like plain sailing, but jitters set in, and Canadian skipper Scott Tupper pulled one back with a fine strike from just inside the circle, Harte powerless to stop it after being left exposed.
And Tupper seized another chance minutes later, when the ball hit an Irish foot, giving Canada a penalty corner, with the captain leading by example with a clinical finish.
Canada piled on the pressure, and Ireland had Ronan Gormley to thank for an incredible clearance.
Goalscorer against Germany Eugene Magee chipped in too, scrambling the ball clear when Canada looked certain to score.
Then Mitch Darling eased the pressure with a goal squeezed out of nowhere to give Ireland a two-goal cushion, and with the wind taken out of Canada’s sails as Ireland lived to fight another day.
