image source, ©INPHO/Sankalp Tripathi
Ireland lost 5-1 to the Netherlands in their first professional league match.
Ireland lost to world number one Netherlands 5-1 in their first FIH Pro League match in Bhubaneswar, India.
The Netherlands built a commanding 3-0 lead in India thanks to the efforts of Chep Hoedemaekers, Jorit Kroon and Gyp Janssen.
Ireland created a number of chances and Lee Cole pulled the ball back.
However, after Janssen added his fourth, Stein van Heijningen’s cross was deflected into his own net by Tim Cross.
As Ireland rise rapidly in the world’s premier hockey competition, head coach Mark Tumilty is looking to the positives after playing against the best teams in the world.
“I didn’t think it was a 5-1 game,” Tumilty said.
“If we had gotten the second goal in the third quarter, it would have been a different result.
“I’m happy with the result in the first half. We produced some very good hockey at times and even advanced at times. Probably just a few individual mistakes cost us goals. A team at this level is relentless about their mistakes. to punish.”
“I think Sean Murray was outstanding in today’s game. We play Australia on Tuesday, which will be another challenge for us. We’ll have to make some adjustments that we can improve on from today. ”
Netherlands to curb pressure on Ireland
They put pressure on from the beginning, but the deadlock was broken in the 12th minute. On his second request, the Dutchman evaded two Irish blockers in the corner, and Hoedemakers slotted Jansen’s pass into the net.
In the second period, Clune doubled their lead by reacting fastest in the circle and driving the ball high into the net after Jamie Kerr made a brilliant point-blank save from Floris Walterboer.
Ireland remained undaunted despite the scoreline and attacked the Netherlands towards the end of the second half, but were extremely unlucky not to score.
Shane O’Donoghue’s shot from a penalty corner was saved by Pirmin Blaak, but the Dutch goalkeeper was narrowly brought down when Conor Empey’s snap shot deflected off the post.
Ireland then finished the first half on a high note, with Dara Walsh sending a shot wide, but Jansen added a third goal after the interval with a penalty stroke curled into the corner.
image source, ©INPHO/Sankalp Tripathi
Ireland regroup for next game against Australia
However, Ireland fought back within a minute of losing 3-0. Sean Murray faced four Dutch defenders and was brought down in the circle mid-shot. A penalty stroke was awarded and Cole scored his first Pro League goal for Ireland.
A lack of discipline resulted in two Dutch players receiving cards, and Ireland dominated the ball for the remainder of the third quarter against nine players.
Ireland came closest as Johnny Mackie found the side netting and Cole’s penalty corner was cleared on the line, but following the full praise of the players, the Netherlands took advantage of a exhausted Ireland in the final quarter. Ta.
Jansen dragged the ball past Kerr from a penalty corner and, seconds after the restart, a cross from Van Heijningen was unfortunately converted into his own goal.
Ireland’s second Pro League match will be against Australia on Tuesday.