With temperatures at their coolest it was a perfect day for Ireland to make their mark on the tournament.
Ireland started positively and put pressure on a brittle Korean defence. Their short passing and possession showed improvement.
However it was Korea who took the lead on ten minutes through a penalty corner strike. An injury to Roisin Upton on 12 minutes meant she missed the remainder of the half.
Ireland started to grow in confidence and restored parity just a minute later through a superb finish from Chloe Brown with a shot hit off her back foot.
Ireland took the game to Korea and went ahead through Joanne Orr on 16 minutes and Ireland then dominated more of the possession growing in confidence throughout. However as half time loomed Ireland started to sit back and allowed Korea to dominate, Korea drawing level with a field goal from Lee.
Half Ireland 2 – 2 Korea
Ireland continiued to sit back and allowed Korean free possession, however it was Beatty who tested the keeper , but the ball failed to cross the line. With Ireland continuing to conceded ground and possession,the Koreans could pick passes at will, and several corner opportunities resulted.
However Ireland defended well and with the clock counting down the large group of Irish supporters believed that a draw was the final outcome. With Ireland in control of the ball in the opposition 25, they give the ball away and the killer blow came,Korea scoring from a corner breakdown past the keepers right foot.
Ireland were devastated at the end of the game , they deserved at least a point.They will reflect on a game that if they’d been more positive in approach in the second half, the effort of the team may have been better rewarded.
Dave Passmore commented This young team gave everything today, and I feel so sorry for them, hockey at this level is hard place to be, they can hold their heads up high and now work to win their last two matches and clinch 5th place.
Ireland have 2 games left , both against South Africa; a finalpool game and a 5/6th play off placing.
Ireland will play South Africa on Sunday at 1pm Irish Time.
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