Ireland (8) v (5) Germany

By Tim Beissmann

IN A frantic and physical game, the Irish were too strong and experienced in the wet conditions and advanced to the Dignitary Cup Final after an 8-5 win over Germany.

The Germans looked dangerous on the dry early pitch, putting the first goal on the board through key striker Denny Iwan.

The reply came in the second minute for Ireland through big man Ross Crosbie, just as the rain started to fall over Fed Square Stadium.

The slippery conditions proved somewhat dangerous and a tackle on Iwan sent him flying to the ground and grabbing at his knee.

He bravely played on through obvious pain, gaining the respect of the vocal crowd, and incredibly scored for a second time, lifting the German fans to their feet.

A slip from the German goalie gifted the Irish a penalty in the sixth minute, although he repaid his country by saving what was a certain goal in the dying seconds, holding the half time score to 3-all.

An early Irish goal after the break to Stephan Coleman was closely followed by a blue card to the men in green, leaving them a man down for two minutes.

German substitute Patrick Helliger took maximum advantage of his team's extra numbers, slamming home two goals and giving his side the lead with four minutes remaining.

Restored to four men, another Coleman goal for Ireland levelled the scores.

The Germans looked the better entering the final minutes of the match, but a huge save by keeper Thomas Cullen knocked the ball directly into the path of Farrell who converted, and seconds later knocked in the sealer.

The joint celebration at the end of the match was a great image of the Homeless World Cup spirit, as players from both teams embraced after a hard-fought seesawing contest.

The Irish will now go on to play Nigeria in the Dignitary Cup Final on Sunday at the Fed Square Stadium.

Photo: Photoworx