Early strike gives Ireland victory over Italy in Portugal
Italy 0 Ireland 1
Ireland's Jeremy DuncanA draw against host nation Portugal will book Mark Tumilty’s Ireland side a place in the last four of the EuroHockey Championship II.Jeremy Duncan’s early goal was enough to see off Italy to put them three points clear at the top of Pool A with one game remaining.Ireland began brightly, winning their first penalty corner after just two minutes. Lee Cole's effort was well saved, but Duncan was on hand to follow up and find the net.Chances were few and far between for the remainder of the first half, with Italy sitting deep and crowding their circle to make things difficult for the Irish attackers. The tactic served them well, with Ireland unable to add to their one-goal lead before half-time.Despite an energetic start and a number of early circle penetrations, efforts on goal remained elusive.Two late penalty corners proved the best chances for Ireland, the first of which was deflected wide, and the second initially resulting in a penalty stroke for Ireland, which was eventually overturned.The close scoreline set up a nervy final quarter for Ireland, with Italy winning a penalty corner that forced Jaime Carr into a good save. Italy continued to enjoy prolonged phases in the Irish half, but Ireland were alive to any efforts to manufacture a chance on goal.In a last-ditch effort to salvage a draw, Italy substituted their keeper in favour of an additional outfield player with three minutes remaining, but Ireland, held out to secure the points and extend their lead at the top of Pool A.They play their third and final Pool match against Portugal today at 6pm.
