IND THE LAST 8
Irish heroes reach quarter-finals thanks to Anna goal
Anna O’FLANAGAN’S first half goal propelled Ireland into the last eight of the World Cup yesterday.
Pool B’s lowest ranked team saw off world No10 ranked side India thanks to O’flanagan’s strike from a penalty corner.
It also earned a second successive victory for the
Irish who defeated USA
3-1 earlier in the week.
The result now puts pressure on tournament hosts England who, after two 1-1 draws, face Ireland on Sunday at 7pm.
The decisive moment yesterday at London’s Lee Valley Hockey Centre came in the 13th minute.
Katie Mullan and Anna O’flanagan linked up in the circle to win a penalty corner. Shirley Mccay stepped up for one of her powerful sweeps from the top of the circle and O’flanagan deflected it into the net for the lead.
Goalkeeper Ayeisha Mcferran was in fine form again as she made a superb high stick save to send Vandana Katariya’s shot over the bar while a super clearance off the line by Hannah Matthews prevented an equaliser. A delighted Irish head coach Graham Shaw said afterwards: “What a group of players, I thought they were absolutely fantastic from start to finish..” Keeper Mcferran (inset) added: “For our first World Cup in 16 years and to make the quarterfinals with a game in hand is great. “It’s not every Ireland team that can say something like that.”