Sport

Missed chances not the heat, Ireland's Achilles heel

ARGENTINA, who have competed in all eight World Cups got their attempt to reach Utrechtback on the road by defeating Belgium …

By DERMOT ASHMORE
Fri Mar 07 1997 - 00:00

ARGENTINA, who have competed in all eight World Cups got their attempt to reach Utrechtback on the road by defeating Belgium 3-1 in the qualifying tournament in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

This relieved the pressure somewhat on the South American side, who lost to New Zealand on Tuesday, as they faced up to Ireland's challenge today (4 p.m. local time).

Yet Ireland, though beaten by Belgium and South Korea, had not given up hope. This was especially so after they had viewed the video of Wednesday night's game which confirmed that they had matched the Asian champions through the field but were not sharp enough in front of Jin Soo Koo's goal. Incidentally, Ireland goalkeeper Ivan Bateman and, left back Colin Hade won their 50th caps in this match.

While respecting Argentina and their superior ranking in world circles to that of Ireland (ninth compared to 16th), team manager George Compston hinted last night that they were not as good as the Koreans. "We must win today. It's a matter of putting our chances in the net. An early goal would make all the difference," Compston said.

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"We are capable of lasting the pace whereas the Belgians ran out of steam against the Argentinians. We are not too worried about the heat. We played the Canadians in a practice game about the time of tomorrow's match. Some heavy rain though, might help our cause.

Also on today's programme is a top-of-the-table clash in Pool B between Korea and New Zealand (Ireland's opponents on Sunday).

In Pool A, South Africa, who lost 5-4 to Canada on Wednesday, had a further setback yesterday in being held to a 2-2 draw by Switzerland - not a result to please President Mandela, who is in town on a State visit.

However, Malaysia's ambitions (dented by Poland in the opening fixture) were renewed with a 4-1 victory over the Canadians, who deservedly had a player sent off and two others receiving temporary suspensions from Ireland's Olympic umpire, Ray O'Connor.

Lavish Malaysian hospitality was experienced yesterday by IHU president Marius Gallagher and promotions officer Dixon Rose, who were guests of the Irish team's sponsors Peremba Kentz.