Irish women left with one more chance to qualify for Olympics after heart-breaking penalty shoot-out loss
Niamh Carey of Ireland in action against Begonia Garcia of Spain
Ireland women were denied automatic qualification to the 2024 Olympic Games in dramatic fashion on Thursday afternoon as hosts Spain, second best all game, delivered emphatically in the shoot-out to book their Paris tickets.
Ireland were left distraught after Roisin Upton, Sarah Hawkshaw and Hannah McLoughlin all missed their efforts to leave Spain celebrating a 3-0 shoot-out success after a scoreless 60 minutes.
Not even Ayeisha McFerran could save Ireland this time as the hosts came into their own to score from three of four efforts.
McFerran stood tall to save Spain’s first take from Laia Vidosa. But in front of a sell out crowd, Spain’s goalkeeper Clara Perez proved the star turn before captain Maria Lopez lobbed McFerran with a wonderful effort from the top of the circle to spark wild scenes at the Campo de Hockey.
Victory for the hosts saw Spain atone for their defeat to the Green Army in the 2018 World Cup shoot-out semi-finals. Defeat for Ireland now leaves Sean Dancer’s side with one final chance at making this summer’s Olympics when they take on either Great Britain or Belgium in Saturday’s winner-takes-all clash.
Ireland will still take heart heading into that play-off match. For Spain failed to notch a single penalty corner, or shot on goal through normal time as McFerran was kept quiet all game.
Katie Mullan was handed the first chance but shot wide with a scuffed forehand. Meanwhile, Michelle Carey and Hawkshaw were making hay on the left flank in a first quarter Ireland dominated.
Mullan had the game’s first shot on target, a reverse from a tight angle which Perez gloved away. It led to the first corner, but Ireland’s battery couldn’t control the injection.
Dancer’s side continued to press Spain in the second quarter, but Spain were equal to any circle threat with resolute stick tackles.
As the half ended, Spain rallied as Julia Strappato made several dangerous runs and crosses.
A second penalty corner of the match fell Ireland’s way with six minutes left of the third quarter, but the Green Army failed to make inroads again after a mistrap.
With 20 seconds left of the quarter, Deirdre Duke spun on the turn and sent a powerful forehand goalwards. It was heading low into the corner but Perez deflected wide in time with her left pad.
Spain held possession for the remaining five minutes, but once more Ireland held out in defence. The sight of McFerran walking to her line for the shoot-out would have given Ireland’s noisy support plenty of believe.
But this time it was the turn of Spain to celebrate.
