Ireland thrash China to keep Rio qualification dream alive

Ireland 6 China 0

Ireland kept their hopes of qualification for the Rio Olympics alive as they routed China 6-0 in their World League clash in Antwerp.

Having drawn their opening group game with Great Britain before losing to Malaysia on Thursday, Craig Fulton’s side knew only a win would do to give them a fighting chance of finishing in the top four of Pool B.

The game got off to a cagey start with neither side really threatening in a dour first quarter.

However the game caught fire 19 minutes in, with Alan Sothern flashing the ball home at the nearpost to give Ireland the lead.

Moments later Sothern doubled Ireland’s lead with a low back hand into the bottom right corner.

Ireland were in the ascendancy and were awarded a penalty after Sothern was fouled following a neat penalty-corner move, however after dusting himself off his tame penalty effort was saved by the Chinese goalkeeper.

The third was soon on its way however, Pater Caruth turning in a low cross from close quarters.

Ireland's momentum continued in the third quarter, and a smart David Harte save set off a lighnting break, which resulted in a penalty corner which was glanced home by skipper Ronan Gormley after 32 minutes.

Sothern completed his hat-trick a minute later and then the drubbing was complete as Stephen Dowds made it six with just 38 minutes on the clock.

Ireland couldn’t break through again but had already done enough to drag their goal difference back to four.

There was concern late in the third quarter after a lengthy stoppage for an injury to Ireland ’keeper Harte, but while he was replaced he was able to walk from the pitch.

The win keeps Ireland fourth in the group and moves them level with Belgium on four points.

Belgium play Malaysia later today before they play Fulton’s men on Sunday, with both sides looking to avoid a fourth place finish and a likely last eight tie against Australia.