WATCH: Ireland stun Spain to make Hockey World Cup Final

August 4, 2018 / Raffaele Rocca /

Ireland 1-1 Spain
(Ireland win penalty shootout 3-2)

Yes you read the headline right! The Irish Women’s Hockey team are through to a historic World Cup Final against Holland courtesy of a thrilling penalty shootout win over a fancied Spanish side.

And whats more is that Limerick woman Roisín Upton will fly the flag for her school, college and club at the final in London tomorrow afternoon.

Gillian Pinder dispatched the crucial penalty to send Graham Shaw’s side through to the decider after both sides were inseparable after 60 minutes of normal time at one goal apiece.

Meanwhile the Dutch also came through a penalty shootout against Australia to set up Sunday’s showdown at 16:30. The seven times winners of the tournament will go in as favourites against an Irish side ranked last of 16 at the start of the competition.

Ireland made a solid start and opened the scoring when Anna O’Flanagan deflected a penalty corner in the third minute for an early 1-0 lead which they defend heroically until Alicia Magaz levelled it up.

Both sides toiled to get a winner but as time drew to a close, the prospect of the penalty shoot loomed large.

Pinder was first to step up and she slotted home her effort and the score stood following a referral. Spain nabbed the equaliser through Georgina Olivia.

Chloe Watkins edged Ireland back in front but India were back on level terms with their final penalty after Lola Riera lobbed Ireland’s keeper Ayeisha McFerran, who was excellent throughout once again.

The shootout then went to sudden death where Pinder converted the crucial shot to send Ireland through to the final. It was Ireland’s second consecutive shootout win and the side will now regroup as they face into tomorrow’s final.

 

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Raffaele Rocca