Ireland blitz South Africa to keep their Hockey World Cup hopes alive

Ireland turned the game around when it mattered

Mark Tumilty’s side went into the game under pressure after losing 3-1 to Australia in their opening fixture, meaning another defeat would have left their hopes of reaching the next stage in serious danger.

The match initially appeared to be heading that way, with South Africa taking the lead through Kenton Melville in the third quarter. Ireland were forced to withstand sustained pressure, with goalkeeper Jamie Carr making several important saves to keep them within reach.

As reported by RTÉ Sport, Ben Walker eventually brought Ireland level with two minutes remaining in the third quarter, giving the side the momentum they needed heading into the final period.

Ireland then took complete control of the match, with Lee Cole scoring twice from penalty corners before Sam Hyland added a fourth in the closing stages to seal an emphatic 4-1 win.

The result keeps Ireland firmly in contention for a top-two finish in Pool C, with a draw against Spain in their final group match on Thursday enough to see them progress.

It is also their first Men’s Hockey World Cup group-stage victory since 1978.

How Ireland turned the Hockey World Cup tie

Lee Cole put Ireland ahead just four minutes into the final period with a powerful penalty-corner strike. South Africa then pushed for a response, but Ireland punished them on the counter, with Cole finding the net again from another short corner with four minutes remaining.

Sam Hyland then added a fourth with just 11 seconds left on the clock, a goal which could become particularly important given that goal difference may ultimately determine the final standings.

As reported by RTÉ Sport, Ireland will now meet Spain at 4pm on Thursday in a crucial Pool C encounter. Spain previously defeated South Africa 3-1 before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Australia, meaning Ireland's position in the group will be decided by the result of their final match.

If Ireland finish second, they will progress into a new pool alongside the winners of Pools B and C and the runners-up from Pool B, with the top two sides then advancing to the semi-finals.