Ireland defeat Japan to set up men’s Olympic hockey qualification finale against hosts Spain
Luke Madeley celebrates after scoring Ireland's only goal with his teammates during the FIH Men's Olympic Hockey Qualifying Tournament Pool A win over Japan at Campo de Hockey Hierba Tarongers in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Sportsfile
Ireland men joined their women counterparts in the Olympic qualification semi-finals after a tight 1-0 win over Japan to set up a double-header set of matches against hosts Spain on Friday.
A well-worked Luke Madeley penalty corner strike in the second quarter, his 20th senior goal, proved the difference in a match Ireland needed to draw to progress.
Yet, this was far from comfortable against a speedy Japan outfit who never gave up but will rue a succession of missed chances from their penalty corner battery.
“You always have an opportunity when you’re a flicker and I’m happy my name was called and we executed,” a relieved Madeley said afterwards.
Following Madeley’s 21st minute goal, this was a clash of limited chances but end-to-end attacks. This was a match where Ireland relied on their defence and goalkeeper David Harte, with another outstanding display, to shut out Japan’s seven corners.
“It was backs to the wall stuff, especially in the last quarter,” added Madeley. “We need to improve things with the ball and giving us a break so we aren’t always defending and chasing. Credit to the defence, David played magnificently.”
Ireland’s first and only chance of the opening quarter fell to Jonathan Lynch, who flashed his reverse across goal and too fast for any deflected connection.
A first penalty corner of the game came in the second quarter. Fed to Shane O’Donoghue, Ireland’s record goalscorer instead feigned his shot into the path of Madeley, who sent a low drag into the backboard, the goal standing after a video review.
A one-goal advantage left Japan needing two in the final 30 minutes and Ireland soaked up third quarter pressure.
And, with under a minute left, a backward falling Harte saved a low flick by Ken Nagayoshi. The ball bobbled back into play and Japan were awarded a penalty stroke. The review fell Ireland’s way as Ireland then blocked four successive corners.
Ireland’s defence became pivotal for the last 10 minutes. Another Japanese corner broke down with 90 seconds left and Harte made a fine pad save from Nagayoshi.
An air of relief came at the final hooter as Ireland progressed to a showdown with Spain on Friday (11.30am Irish time) for a place at the Paris Games 11.30am (Irish time) start.
