Ireland 4
Canada 2
IRELAND CLAIMED A first Olympic hockey victory in 108 years to keep their quarter-final hopes alive.
After suffering defeat in their first three outings in Rio, Craig Fulton’s men stormed into a three-goal lead and despite a late Canadian comeback, held on to secure a famous result.
It now means the Green Machine will face Argentina in their final group game tomorrow with a place in the next stage on the line.
Shane O’Donoghue clinically dispatched two first-half penalty corners and Peter Caruth made it three with a fine finish from a tight angle.
Canada rallied in the second half and their pressure eventually told as they broke through twice in quick succession to set-up a grandstand finish.
But Ireland weren’t to be denied as Mitch Darling stabbed home from close range with minutes left on the clock.
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Great win for the home of soccer. Tuchel will be transforming these into WC champs next year
@Jed Ward: it’s coming home
@Jed Ward: keep dreaming on
@Michael Foley: haven’t a hope
@Alan Moloney: obviously I was joking
Workman like,controlled performance,lacked any spark,palmer,saka,Gordon fully fit need to start, midfield is lacking something,Kane,even at his age is still there best option up front at the moment,they definitely have something in Lewis Skelly.