The Irish Men’s Hockey team are still looking for their first win at the 2018 World Cup. The Green Machine were held by China in their second pool clash in India.
Alexander Cox’s side have had to settle for a 1-1 draw with China, despite dominating much of the game. China – competing in their maiden World Cup – took the lead in the third quarter through Jin Guo.
Ireland fell behind in the third quarter, but were level within two minutes, Alan Sothern’s deflected effort earning Ireland a point. Ireland responded in the 44th minute through man of the match Sothern, but were unable to force a late winner.
Next up for The Green Machine is a meeting with England on Friday, where a draw will be enough to secure a place in the crossover. They now lie third in Pool C behind China and Australia, but are ahead of England on goal difference.
FT. @irishhockey and Team China play out a draw in their second Pool Stage match at the Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 as both teams find it difficult to break down their opponents' stubborn defenses on 4th December.#IRLvCHN #IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey pic.twitter.com/9sAcRlKo0p
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) December 4, 2018