The Ireland women’s team will compete at this year’s FIH Hockey World Cup after defeating Japan 3-1 in a penalty shootout in Chile.
After losing to Australia 1-0 on Saturday, the Irish side had one more chance to secure a place at via Sunday’s third place play-off and they took it, this after their match with the Japanese finished 0-0 in regulation play.
The then held their nerve in the shootout in Santiago to book their ticket.
Goalkeeper Elizabeth Murphy once was the hero, with the help of Sarah Hawkshaw, Hannah McLoughlin, and Jessica McMaster, helping Ireland to a 3-1 shootout win that secured World Cup qualification.
Ireland started the with real intent as they looked to find the gaps in the Japanese defence. Niamh Carey was a thorn in the side of the Japanese defence picking the pocket of her opposite number and working the ball into the circle to win Ireland the first penalty corner of the tie. Roisin Upton went direct, but Akio Tanaka made the save.
Katie Mullan was the next to strike at goal after a good pass from Hannah McLoughlin. The shot ended in a goalmouth scramble, but Japan once again cleared their lines.
Ireland almost found their opener when Mullan and Michelle Carey connected well. Carey pulled the ball back for Charlotte Beggs, but her first time effort went just wide of the near post.
A first effort on goal for Japan forced a save from Murphy, which released Ireland on a counterattack which almost ended in a goal, but McMaster’s effort was saved.
Japan threatened early in the second half, flashing a ball past the back post in the first minute. Ireland, though, soon pinned Japan back again, as they went in search of a breakthrough goal. A shot came the way of Hawkshaw, but her effort was deflected wide. Emily Kealy was up next, picking up the ball under pressure, but she fired wide.
The game remained scoreless going into the final quarter, setting up a nervy end to a contest that had so much riding on it. Japan had the best chance early on from a penalty corner. But Ireland once again scrambled to deny them.
With just over two minutes remaining Ireland found the gap in the Japanese defence through McLoughlin who found a foot to win a penalty corner. Ireland went back to Sarah Torrans who played it across goal, ending in a scramble in front of the goalkeeper. The ball came to Mullan who found the back of the net, but the goal was ruled out for a back stick.
From there on out it was down to who could hold their nerve in the shootout with Murphy producing the decisive save to book Ireland’s place at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
Ireland will now turn their attention to their remaining FIH Pro League stages in June where they will continue their fight to remain in the competition, followed by their trip to the Netherlands and Belgium for the World Cup.