PETER CARUTH WAS the golden goal hero as Ireland claimed bronze at Champions Challenge I with a dramatic win against Malaysia.
After losing to hosts Argentina in Saturday’s semi-final, Andrew Meredith’s men looked set to go home empty-handed when Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor gave Malaysia a 3-2 lead with three minutes remaining.
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Remarkably, Ireland marched straight down the pitch where Conor Harte levelled from a penalty corner before Caruth struck in the second half of extra-time to clinch third place.
“I won’t say I’m a hero today but it’s nice to have scored,” Caruth said afterwards. “I’m happy about the team performance, we worked so hard.”
We had a few issues in [getting] to this tournament but the Irish public was behind us. We are disappointed not to be in the final, but we played well for everybody back home.
Ireland got off to a flying start when Will McCabe opened the scoring on three minutes and, after Ismail Abu pegged them back at 1-1, it was the Green Machine who had the confidence to go on and take the lead through Harte’s first of the afternoon.
A stunning solo effort from Faizal Saari kept Malaysia, now coached by former Ireland supremo Paul Revington, in the hunt after the break and they thought they had the game won when Noor scored at the death, only to be denied by Ireland’s final flurry.
“I’m very happy for the boys,” Meredith said afterwards. “All the players gave a hundred percent today. Despite [Saturday's] result in the semi final, they stayed mentally focused for this match and got the result.
Despite only four days of preparation, these players responded well to having a new coach in difficult circumstances, and of course to finish third is a real bonus for this group. I’m proud of them. Now we have to work hard because we have a project and many priorities.
Golden boy Caruth clinches bronze for Ireland
PETER CARUTH WAS the golden goal hero as Ireland claimed bronze at Champions Challenge I with a dramatic win against Malaysia.
After losing to hosts Argentina in Saturday’s semi-final, Andrew Meredith’s men looked set to go home empty-handed when Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor gave Malaysia a 3-2 lead with three minutes remaining.
Remarkably, Ireland marched straight down the pitch where Conor Harte levelled from a penalty corner before Caruth struck in the second half of extra-time to clinch third place.
“I won’t say I’m a hero today but it’s nice to have scored,” Caruth said afterwards. “I’m happy about the team performance, we worked so hard.”
Ireland got off to a flying start when Will McCabe opened the scoring on three minutes and, after Ismail Abu pegged them back at 1-1, it was the Green Machine who had the confidence to go on and take the lead through Harte’s first of the afternoon.
A stunning solo effort from Faizal Saari kept Malaysia, now coached by former Ireland supremo Paul Revington, in the hunt after the break and they thought they had the game won when Noor scored at the death, only to be denied by Ireland’s final flurry.
“I’m very happy for the boys,” Meredith said afterwards. “All the players gave a hundred percent today. Despite [Saturday's] result in the semi final, they stayed mentally focused for this match and got the result.
Ireland’s ‘Green Machine’ prepare for more twists in an unlikely tale
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Andrew Meredith Champions Challenge I Green Machine Ireland Hockey Irish Hockey Association Paul Caruth Paul Revington