Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup: England pips Ireland to move to next round
Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup: England pips Ireland to move to next round
England took full measure of fighting Ireland 4-2 to advance to the knockout round of the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. With just one point from drawn game against China, Ireland made the exit from the tournament.
The Irish defeat proved a boon for China, who even after suffering a humiliating 0-11 defeat at hands of Australia, moves to the next round.
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Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup: England pips Ireland to move to next round[/caption]
In a grueling battle for supremacy between Ireland and England, four goals were scored between the 35th minute and 38th minute. Both England and Ireland shared these goals.
For Ireland Cargo Chris (35th minute) Odonoghue (37th minute) were the scorers while for England it was Liam Ansell (37th minute) and James Gall (39th minute) to do honours for England. Liam Ansell was later adjudged man of the match.
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Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup: England pips Ireland to move to next round[/caption]
It was David Condon’s goal for England in the 15th minute that proved crucial. A barren second half and high scoring third quarter saw the two teams getting locked in a grim battle in the fourth and the last quarter. But luck eluded Ireland. Also Read: Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup: Round I of pool matches saw domination of field scorers
And England hammered the last nail in the coffin of Ireland with a penalty corner conversion in the 60th minute through Mark Gleghorne. England won 4-2 to move to the knock out round.
England has much better track record than Ireland in the bilateral hockey relations between the member nations of Great Britain. England has won eight of previous 14 encounters. Only three have been won by Ireland and the remaining three had ended in draws.
Man of the match: Liam Ansell -PTC NEWS
