World Footy News

Last night the Irish Warriors showed exactly why they are favourites to take out the European Championships, with a clinical demolition of hosts Sweden: Sweden 2.4 (16) to Ireland 13.21 (99).

A crowd of around 400 turned up to Limhamnsfältet in Malmö to watch the home nation play arguably the best team in Europe in what was effectively a semi-final for the tournament.

Despite kicking against the wind in the first quarter, the Irish got an early lead through goals from Maghnus Breathnach and Rob Armstrong. Very little separated the two sides in terms of possession, however Sweden’s inability to convert their chances cost them. Lars Hagberg and Mattias Fagersson both missed set shots before Leo Nilsson kicked a goal from open play.

Just before quarter time, Ireland’s big forward Breathnach took a mark on the edge of the goal square to kick his second and give the Warriors a 13-point lead.

In the second quarter Sweden looked solid in defence and held out well against constant waves of attack from an Irish side now kicking with the wind. However, despite having plenty of possession, Sweden couldn’t push into their own forward fifty, and failed to score all quarter. The Irish were able to extend their lead through goals from John Tierney and a snap shot from Vincent Manning.

This report courtesy of the EC2010 organisers, photos by Morten Christensen.

In the second half the Warriors continued to be frustrated by a resilient Swedish side, and when Fredrik Arnstrup managed to dribble the ball through for Sweden’s second goal, a comeback looked a distinct possibility. However a lack of targets upfront continued to hamper Sweden’s attempts to turn possession into goals, and late in the quarter the Elks started to fade.

The Irish reasserted control of the match scoring three goals in the final minutes of the quarter to open up a 48-point lead going into the final quarter. Ireland’s Vincent Manning was particularly troublesome for the Swedish backline, scoring two goals for the quarter.

With the match just about won, the Irish took control and completely dominated the final quarter. Their superior stamina, pace and sheer physical presence completely overwhelmed a tired Swedish side. Vincent Manning scored another goal to bring his tally to four for the match, while Bobby Byrne and Aidan Hickey also scored to increase the Warriors lead. The winning margin could have been greater if not for Ireland’s inaccurate kicking and Sweden’s determined defenders who refused to give up despite the score line.

In the final term the Irish scored 11 behinds, while numerous attempts on goal were marked on the line. But the fact that Sweden are the only team to keep Ireland under 100 points in this tournament will be of little consolation to a team that had initially hoped to cause an upset.

The win ensures Ireland finish top of their group and will now play Denmark on Saturday in the Championship decider. Meanwhile Sweden will look to make amends for yesterday’s display when they play Great Britain for Bronze.