France took revenge against Ireland, winning the second match 1-0. The boys in green will no doubt be disappointed with the defeat after the match one day earlier which was a festival of goals (8-2 to Ireland).
Despite dominating play for long periods of the match and with the majority of possession Ireland could not find the golden touch which seemed to come so easily to them last night. Ireland opened the match with confidence and after just five minutes of play defender Lewis set an oncoming Watkins up for a chance but the pass flashed just past his stick.
Ireland continued to display great cohesion as the midfielders and forwards in particular interchanged passes with ease as they weaved past Les Bleu but they were eternally short of the final shot. The French looked like they might sneak ahead against the run of play in the 33rd minute when they were awarded the only penalty corner of the half but the resulting shot was easily saved by Lennox in goals.
Half Time Ireland 0 - 0 France
The French continued in the same vein the left off winning their second penalty corner courtesy of Martin-Brisac who took full advantage of a speedy break when he found a green foot in the circle, but the execution was poor and the sides remained scoreless.
The only goal of the game finally came in the 59th minute when Matthieu Durchon pounced on a stray ball for a half volley connection to fire into the back of the net.
Ireland finally won a penalty corner with just a minute and a half remaining but the usually clinical Sothern's put his drag flick just wide of the post.
Ireland – France 0-1 (0-0) Goal: Matthieu Durchon 59m
Source: Irish Hockey Association
