Ireland run out of steam as China hit five

Ireland 2 China 5

In 35 degree heat, Ireland simply had not enough in reserve in the third/fourth place play-off against China, with whom they had a very credible 0-0 draw with earlier in the tournament.

Ireland had the better start and looked to be in control, but it was China who broke the deadlock on 21 minutes. Minutes later Ireland were nearly back on level terms when Ciara O’Brien’s shot flashed just past the post and wide.

China then went 2-0 up on 28 minutes through a well executed shot corner routine and the killer blow came when China scored a goal either side of half time to make it 4-0 with just four minutes of the second half gone.

Ireland’s efforts were eventually rewarded 18 minutes into the second half when Claire Parkhill’s pass found Suzanne Beaney in the circle and she found the back of the net to claim her first goal for Ireland.

China extended their lead on 61 minutes to 5-1, but with just two minutes left, good work by Lindsay McVicker down the left found Jenny Burke on the edge of the circle and she fired the ball home to leave the final score 5-2 in China’s favour.

IRELAND: Platt, O’Brien, Parkhill, McKeever, Connery, Carey, Caulfield, Burke, Symmons, Cregan, McVicker. Subs: Goode (62), Beaney (22), McDonough (12), Casey (22), Hodgins (61).