Ireland 2
Germany 3
FOR A COUPLE of minutes, Ireland — and their merry band of supporters — dared to dream.
Eugene Magee’s stunning strike from the edge of the circle before half-time had given the Green Machine hope of a first point of this Olympic campaign.
But, in the end, Germany’s class and clinical nature told as Craig Fulton’s side suffered a third successive defeat in Group B at the Olympic Hockey Stadium.
Ireland were once again exposed defensively and the concession of two more goals from penalty corners undermined any positive work done at the other end.
David Harte’s inspired performance ensured Germany didn’t run away with the game as they laid siege to Ireland’s goal with the goalkeeper pulling off a string of superb saves.
But the captain could do little about the three goals he conceded.
Not for the first time during this tournament, Ireland were made to pay the ultimate penalty as Germany’s efficiency from penalty corners was ultimately the difference.
“Many words probably pop into mind; agonising, incredibly difficult to take. But at the same time what’s gone is gone and in the past and we have to focus on two must-win games,” Harte said.
At the other end, Magee’s equaliser four minutes before the half-time interval was the highlight as the 30-year-old slammed home a reverse tomahawk.
Mitch Darling’s goal just before the end added gloss to the scoreboard and engendered hope of a late rally but time was against Ireland and they now face two must-win games.
Victory against Canada on Thursday is a must and three points there would set-up a huge clash with Argentina on Friday night.
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