Ireland women secure Olympic hockey qualification semi-final clash with Spain after win over South Korea
Ireland players celebrate after the FIH Women's Olympic Hockey Qualifying Tournament Pool A win over Korea Republic at Campo de Hockey Hierba Tarongers in Valencia, Spain. Photo: Manuel Queimadelos/Sportsfile
Roisín Upton, right, celebrates with Ireland teammate Kathryn Mullan after scoring her side's third goal during the FIH Women's Olympic Hockey Qualifying Tournament Pool A match between Ireland and Korea Republic at Campo de Hockey Hierba Tarongers in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Sportsfile
Ireland women continued their fine Olympic qualifying campaign here by securing a semi-final berth with a battling and attacking 3-1 victory over South Korea on Tuesday night.
Sean Dancer’s side finished their pool campaign not only undefeated but shipping a solitary goal after another incisive defensive display and fine finishing. Second-half goals from Sarah Hawkshaw, Deirdre Duke and Roisín Upton sent Ireland into a last four tie with Spain on Thursday.
On a sultry evening in Valencia and buoyed by noisy Green Army support, Ireland needed just a draw to qualify against the Koreans. They did that and more, once they negated any Asian threat in a scoreless first-half.
A fine reverse shot in the opening salvos by Naomi Carroll was saved before neat interchanging, notably Hawkshaw’s circle skills, won a first penalty corner. But Hannah McLoughlin’s shot was saved under the body of Eunji Kim, the Korean goalkeeper.
Roisín Upton, right, celebrates with Ireland teammate Kathryn Mullan after scoring her side's third goal during the FIH Women's Olympic Hockey Qualifying Tournament Pool A match between Ireland and Korea Republic at Campo de Hockey Hierba Tarongers in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Sportsfile
Meanwhile, Ayeisha McFerran read a first Korean corner, going down early to a direct hit from the top of the circle. Ireland were picking off Korean counters too and forging numerous counters for themselves.
A second Irish green card to Upton failed to unsettle Ireland. Moments later, Korea handed the Green Army a first penalty corner. Hannah McLoughlin slapped towards Kim’s left post and the lively Hawkshaw timed her dive to perfection to deflect over the line.
As Ireland pressed deep into the third quarter, Duke found herself on the baseline and angled in from an acute angle on the reverse.
With Korea needing three goals in the final quarter, they made inroads when Hyejin Cho beat McFerran at her left post.
Michelle Carey was then handed a five-minute yellow with eight minutes left for kicking the ball. Little matter. Another breakaway move led to a penalty stroke after Hawkshaw was tackled illegally as she lined up to shoot. Upton flicked past Kim with six minutes left.
Ireland were given a helping hand as Korea withdrew Kim with five minutes left, but Upton’s penalty corner flick went wide of the post. Ireland's support was soon celebrating wildly.
Meanwhile, Ireland men play Japan on Wednesday night in their final group game to decide their semi-final fate. With a better goal difference, the Green Machine also need a draw to qualify.
