Ireland picked up a second FIH Hockey World Cup qualifier win, beating Japan 2-1 in a close affair this evening in Chile.
Niamh Carey and Caoimhe Perdue gave Ireland a 2-0 break, but a late Japan goal forced the Irish to dig deep to secure their win, with victory guaranteeing them a semi-final spot in Santiago.
A tense opening quarter saw the sides trade blows, with chances falling for both, the best of which came for the Green Army from a penalty corner which was well defended. Ireland enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but much of the battling took place in the middle of the park, with few chances coming either way in the opening quarter after the initial flurry.
Japan ended the quarter with a penalty corner, forcing Ireland into defensive duties to keep the game level.
Ireland upped the pressure in the second quarter, pinning Japan back and eventually winning a penalty corner for their continued efforts. Roisin Upton found Carey on the back post whose neat deflection snuck into the net to break the deadlock.
Carey remained at the centre of Ireland’s attacking efforts, winning their second penalty corner of the period after drawing a foul in the circle.
Katie Larmour provided Ireland 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.
The Green Army remained the side 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 and strung a series of passes together which ended in a deflection into Goalkeeper Elizabeth Murphy, but Murphy blocked the effort and McAuley cleared. Mullan responded by launching a high press, winning the ball and testing the Japanese goalkeeper, but was again denied.
A yellow card for Upton meant Ireland had to manage being down a player for a period, a period they managed well even winning a penalty corner thanks to Charlotte Beggs, but Ireland couldn’t convert from it.
A rare attacking opportunity for Japan ended in a penalty corner, which they converted to pile the pressure on in the closing five minutes. Japan 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 spot and a chance at World Cup qualification with one game still remaining in the pool. Ireland will face Canada in their final Pool B match on Thursday, March 5 at 18:00 Irish Time, with a win securing top spot.