Passmore feels ‘let down by the official’

DESPITE this incredible result against a powerhouse of world hockey, there was a sense of frustration in the Ireland camp yesterday.

Central to their ire was umpire Christian Blasch’s decision to allow Rehan Butt’s equaliser, after Mudasser Khan’s lifted the ball inside the Irish circle. Coach Dave Passmore admitted feeling “let down by the official”.

He added: “I don’t like to blame officials, but everyone in the ground thought it was dangerous and should have resulted in a free out.”

Stephen Butler was even more direct, claiming the umpire was “too arrogant to change his mind”.

Happily, Ireland, thanks to Canada, remain in the hunt for a berth at the World Cup finals in Germany next September.

Man-of-the-match Graham Shaw admitted the side had a point to prove after the results against Belgium and Egypt. “This is why we play international hockey and make all the effort. We had a lot to prove and we were very disappointed by what happened in previous matches. For most, this is our first World Cup qualifier and we felt we hadn’t done ourselves justice, but we did well today and we deserved that result.”

Shaw was not concerned when Ireland went a goal behind. “Pakistan play attacking hockey and we knew they’d leave holes so we were able to get one back quickly.”

Short corner specialist Stephen Butler praised Passmore’s decision to play him up front rather than midfield when sprung from the bench. “I was determined to make the difference because I don’t like being left on the bench. Graham and myself are fighters and we showed that. The team gave everything.”

Passmore said the decision to play Butler in a forward role was designed to allow him to maximise space to run at the Pakistani defence.

“That worked for us and with Graham setting the tone in midfield, I was confident the equaliser would come. Our destiny was in our own hands today and we should not have needed favours from Canada to progress but we’re not complaining.”

For the Canadian coach Gene Muller, the fact his side’s 2-1 victory over Egypt sent Ireland through was something of a bittersweet moment. “When Egypt beat Ireland it gave us hope of going forward, but I can only say well done to Ireland. They probably deserve what they got on the performances they put in.”