Ireland are one win away from Olympic qualification after beating Japan

Ireland men joined the women's side in a semi-final with victory over Japan

Ireland’s Lee Cole

Ireland men quelled strong winds to keep their Paris dream on course and advance to the semi-finals after a tight 1-0 win over Japan.

This was, however, far from comfortable for Mark Tumilty’s side and the growing Irish support. It took a 21st-minute penalty corner strike from Luke Madeley to join Ireland women in setting up a last-four showdown with Spain on Friday.

“It was backs to the wall stuff in the last quarter,” said Madeley. “We probably need to improve with the ball and giving us a break so we aren’t always defending and chasing. Credit to the defence and David [Harte] played magnificently.” 

Japan had employed a high press and quick passing in the opening phases. Ireland dealt with the circle threat efficiently enough but the opening was the best penetration from either side.

It was end-to-end with no team able to command possession. Ireland’s first and only chance of the opening quarter fell to Jonathan Lynch, who flashed his reverse across goal, too fast for any connection.

Ireland slapped fast balls into the circle at the start of the second quarter. Japan’s defence creaked when Matthew Nelson stole the ball in the 23m, dribbled one-handed into the D before his shot was gloved away by Taskashi Yoshikawa.

Ireland’s Lee Cole

Ireland had a tight grip and won the first penalty corner of the game after Japan’s Genki Mitani had been green carded. Fed to Shane O’Donoghue, Ireland’s record goalscorer instead feigned his drag into the path of Madeley, who sent a low drag into the backboard for his 20th senior goal. The goal stood after a video review for an illegal block.

“You always have an opportunity when you’re a flicker. I’m happy my name was called and we executed,” Madeley said afterwards.

A one-goal advantage left Japan needing two in the final 30 minutes. For all their endeavour, they also needed more circle penetration as Ireland soaked up third quarter pressure. In Ken Nagayoshi, Japan also had a danger flicker, but their second corner was deflected over the bar by Ireland’s runners.

With a minute left of the third quarter, a backward falling Harte saved a low flick by Nagayoshi. The ball bobbled back into play and Japan were awarded a penalty stroke. The review fell Ireland’s way as Ireland then blocked four successive corners. Ireland had survived their biggest test yet.

Nagayoshi had his best effort in open play after latching onto a ball fed to the left baseline before firing just over on the tomahawk.

Forced deep for prolonged periods, Ireland were then short of firepower on the counter. And their defence was becoming a key lynchpin for the last 10 minutes when Japan took off their goalkeeper, Yoshikawa, for the final three minutes.

With 90 seconds left, Harte made another fine pad save from Nagayoshi’s forehand. Time soon ran out and, in contrast to the women’s celebrations in victory, this was ladled with relief.