Ireland women 2 Japan women 1
Christina Hamill celebrates with goalscorer Caoimhe Perdue. Photo: World Sport Pics
Niamh Carey and Caoimhe Perdue powered the Ireland women’s team to this victory over Japan, as they picked up a second FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers pool stage win.
A late Japan goal forced Ireland to dig deep to secure the result, with victory guaranteeing them a semi-final spot in Santiago, Chile.
Following a tense opening quarter, Ireland upped the pressure in the second, pinning Japan back and eventually winning a penalty corner for their continued efforts. Róisín Upton found Carey on the back post whose neat deflection snuck into the net to break the deadlock.
Katie Larmour provided Ireland with a late spark in the half, cutting inside and firing into the circle to win a penalty corner.
Perdue was the option this time round, and her flick found the backboard to double Ireland’s advantage going into half-time.
Ireland remained in control in the second half, despite Japan’s efforts to press with greater intent. An early chance came to Katie Mullan after a sweeping attacking move down the right, but her reverse stick effort was well saved.
Japan, though, were not down and out. A rare attacking opportunity for Japan ended in a penalty corner, which they converted to pile the pressure on in the closing five minutes.
They continued to throw everything at Ireland as they attempted to fight their way level with two strikes flashing past the post, but Ireland held out to secure a crucial three points.
The win guarantees Ireland a semi-final and a chance at World Cup qualification with one game still remaining in the pool against Canada on Thursday at 6pm.