Australia claim points as Ireland fall just short in tight Olympic hockey defeat

On Monday morning, Ireland went down 2-1 to Australia in a tight, physical encounter. And for all Ireland’s defensive work, it was their final circle penetration endeavor which ultimately saw them fall just short.

David Harte pulled off five world-class saves in their opening day defeat to Belgium, the Olympic champions, and Australia came out hard against the Green Machine on a sultry morning here.

The Cork stopper was in the thick of the action early on. With the Kookaburras’ second penalty corner, Harte’s post was rattled, but the rebound fell to Corey Weyer, who lifted brilliantly past the Cork stopper.

Australia, the Tokyo silver medallists, held ball retention well but Ireland have insisted on keeping on the front foot in Paris.

In the second quarter, they were nearly rewarded after a superb three-way interchange. Led by captain Sean Murray, he fed Jeremy Duncan on the baseline, who pulled back for Ben Walker. His shot skewed just wide.

Mark Tumilty’s side kept up momentum and made no mistake with their first shot on target, a piercing penalty corner flick from Lee Cole thudding the backboard.

With 16 seconds left of the first half, Australia won a penalty stroke after post man Cole was struck on the leg after failing to connect and Blake Govers tucked home past Harte’s outstretched left stick.

Ireland were put under the cosh in the third quarter, a period of ultimately few outright chances. With 10 minutes left, Ireland successfully referred an illegal stick tackle after Australia had found the net from close range.

An energetic final phase of play at both ends then left both teams on their knees. Defeat for Ireland but a heartening performance nevertheless.

To harbor a top four finish in their Pool, Ireland must now look for positive results against India, Argentina and New Zealand in their remaining matches to finish top four and qualify for the quarter-finals.