Ireland battle hard against Netherlands but fall to controversial defeat to world's number one side

Irish Independent

a day ago

The hosts threatened early, forcing Ireland into defensive action within minutes. Lee Cole was alert to clear off the line from a dangerous opening attack. Ireland responded confidently, settling into possession and advancing into the Dutch final third. Ben Walker made a probing run into the circle, followed by a blocked effort from Alistair Empey.
Ireland continued to control much of the play, but when the Dutch broke through, goalkeeper Jaime Carr made a sharp save to keep the game level. Thierry Brinkman thought he had opened the scoring with a reverse stick strike, but Ireland wisely referred the play for a backstick — and the video umpire agreed. The first quarter ended scoreless, with Ireland very much in the contest.
The second quarter saw the Dutch apply early pressure once more, but Ireland remained resolute. Luke Madeley showcased composure and skill in breaking the Dutch press, initiating an attack that ended with Empey drawing a foul and earning Ireland their first penalty corner. Madeley's drag flick was well charged down by the Dutch defence.
Ireland continued to trouble the hosts with clever runs from Fearghus Gibson and Daragh Walsh, but it was the Netherlands who broke the deadlock — and in contentious fashion. Awarded a debatable penalty corner, Luke Dommershuijzen converted to score his first senior international goal.
Just before half-time, the Netherlands pushed for a second, but Matthew Nelson's brave block ensured the score remained 1-0 at the break.
Ireland began the second half with renewed intensity. Lee Cole struck inside the opening minute, but the effort was ruled dangerous, giving the Dutch a free out. Nelson continued to ask questions of the Dutch defence with a strong run into the circle, though no outcome followed.
Despite Ireland's encouraging play, the Netherlands showed their clinical edge. From their first real chance of the half, Steijn van Heijningen applied a delicate deflection to double the lead.
Ireland kept their heads up and quickly earned another penalty corner, but once again the Dutch defence held firm. A well-worked move shortly after was also snuffed out.
As the third quarter drew to a close, the Netherlands won a series of penalty corners, but Ireland's defensive unit stood tall, denying them on three successive attempts to keep the margin at two goals.
In the final quarter, the Dutch gained more control, generating several shots, all of which Carr handled expertly. Ireland's persistence was rewarded with a third penalty corner, won by Empey, but Cole's effort was blocked and cleared. A late Dutch corner inside the final five minutes prompted one last save from Carr, who was excellent throughout.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 win for the Netherlands, who extend their lead at the top of the FIH Pro League table to seven points. Ireland, however, will take heart from a composed, competitive performance against the best side in the world.
The two teams meet again tomorrow, June 12 at 7.00pm in Amstelveen. The match will be broadcast live on the TG4 Player.