The Ireland Women’s Hockey team booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Vitality Hockey Women's World Cup after a resilient 1-0 victory against India.
Coming off a stunning 3-1 win against the USA, the Green Machine are now the first team to have qualified for the next round of the competition. Having last appeared at the World Cup 16 years ago and never registering a victory before this tournament, Ireland are making a name for themselves.
The Green Army took the lead against India in the first-quarter after a well worked penalty corner routine. Anna O’Flanagan superbly angled a deflected shot high into the Indian net after a Shirly McCay sweep with 12 minutes gone on the clock.
@irishhockey Great #FIHGoal at the @Vitality_UK #HWC2018 in London!
IND vs IRL
Watch here 📺 https://t.co/Ng8PUTqYpA pic.twitter.com/FNU2eAQxlD— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) July 26, 2018
After this, both sides had chances to score with Nicci Evans and O’Flanagain coming closest for Ireland. India racked up seven penalty corners throughout the game however couldn’t find a way through the Irish defence.
The Green Army showed incredible resilience and character to keep the Indian’s out. Ayeisha McFerran in goal for Ireland made a fantastic save from Vandana Katariya’s to send her strike over the bar. Hannah Matthews prevented India from equalising after a sensational goal-line clearance from a penalty corner.
Shirley McCay was a rock at the back as she made incredible interceptions and tackles which looked to inspire the team around her. McCay won the Vitality Player of the Match award after her flawless performance but in truth, the whole team put in an incredible shift.
Ireland held on to secure back to back wins in the World Cup and now take on England in their final group game on Sunday. With top spot guaranteed and a place in the quarter-finals booked, Coach Graham Shaw might look to rest one or two players.
They did it and you were right behind them again! THANK YOU to everyone who made it to London and those who cheered at home for @IreWomenHockey #HWC2018 #GreenArmy pic.twitter.com/cBTuJjlep9
— Hockey Ireland (@irishhockey) July 26, 2018
Ireland: N Evans, K Mullan (Captain), S McCay, G Pinder, R Upton, A McFerran, C Watkins, L Colvin, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson
Subs: G O’Flanagan, Y O’Byrne, M Frazer, E Tice, N Daly, D Duke, A Meeke
Next Match: Ireland v England, Sunday, 7pm
