“This is a dark day for Pakistan,” said Rashid Mehmood as he left the pitch following his team’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Ireland. The result means Pakkistan have failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in their illustrious hockey history.

It was opposite emotions for Ireland’s goalkeeper Davey Harte as he reflected upon a game that saw his side soak up pressure for most of the game, before a penalty corner gave them the all-important breakthrough goal.

“We knew that it would be that way. Pakistan is a seriously good team, with a higher ranking (10) to Ireland (14). We knew they would come at us, so we were prepared to defend for long periods.”

The goal came in the 46th minute when Stephen Dowd won a penalty corner. Alan Sothern stepped up and his shot went like a rocket down the centre of the goal and past Pakistan ‘keeper Imran Butt.

“We played well and created chances, but we just couldn’t score,” added Mehmood. These chances included a first quarter attempt that fell to Muhammad Dilber. The forward was unlucky not to see his brave diving deflection sneak past Harte – the tall ‘keeper reacting swiftly to steer the ball past the post.

The second quarter saw Pakistan upping the pressure on their European rivals, but a tame effort from Muhammad Umar Bhutta was padded away almost disdainfully by Harte. The Green Shirts kept the ball pinging around Harte’s circle but a staunch Irish defence continued to soak up the pressure.

Irish hearts were in their mouths when Pakistan called for a video referral in the last five minutes. Their penalty corner request was turned down and Ireland took the game to the other end of the pitch.

Pakistan removed their ‘keeper Imran Butt in a last-rich effort to equal the match, but time was against them, as Eugene Magee kept a cool head and held possession as the clock ticked down. The final 100 seconds were played around the Irish circle but somehow, the Green Machine held the Green Shirts at bay and their Olympic dream remains alive.

Article: Courtesy FIH website