Ireland 10-3 Zimbabwe
Despite a rain shower which made conditions slippery underfoot, Ireland got into their stride quickly with goals from Gavin Dowling (2) and Eddie Madigan. Zimbabwe pulled one back but Madigan restored the three-goal advantage with a cool finish.
Ken Kinsella added another with a fine effort from the left with Madigan adding another before the half-time whistle. The second half began with both sides trading goalls before Dowling completed his hat-trick. Diarmuid O’Connor added to Ireland’s tally with a great team goal while Zimbabwe showed great team spirit and effort to reduced the arrears by scoring a third.
It was to be their last as Anthony Madden showed great determination having wo the ball in his own half then showed for the return before placing it beyond the reach of the opposing goalkeeper. O’Connor completed the scoring for the Irish who ran out winner by a margin of 10-3. Ireland dominated throughout laying down a marker early in the competition.
Wales 1-5 Ireland
Another high intensity start from Ireland saw captain Gavin Dowling scoring two and also hitting a post. His second an absolute peach of a solo effort. Wales pulled a goal back which was the signal for Ireland to up their intensity forcing the Welsh keeper into pulling off a string of great saves. Eddie Madigan slotted home a rebound after the keeper had made another great save.
The second-half was more of the same and with Daniel Moore getting his first goal of the tournament from a central position while Tomas Dinan added the fifth. A mention must go keeper Jordan O Reilly whose assured play between the sticks provided stability to the team. O’Reilly made some telling blocks when called upon and his distribution was excellent throughout setting up the basis for many of Ireland's best attacks.
The win provided a fantastic end to the opening day of matches at Zocalo Square in Mexico City.