WHAT A NIGHT for Irish sport.
Yesterday, Ireland’s remarkable fairytale story at the 2018 Women’s Hockey World Cup continued as they held their nerve to beat India in a thrilling and dramatic penalty shootout.
Graham Shaw’s side landed in London ranked 16th in the world but historic results and incredible heart has seen them power their way to the final four.
60 scoreless minutes meant one v ones were needed to decide the semi-finalists and it was Chloe Watkins who slotted home the decisive penalty for the Green Army.
Goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran was absolutely incredible throughout, while Ali Meeke’s penalty was truly special, adding on to Roisin Upton’s prior success.
Here’s a quick look back on a night to remember:
The game was a cagy one, it must be said….
Ayeisha McFerran made a crucial late save to keep Ireland’s dream alive
Ayeisha McFerran to the rescue again! Ireland are digging deep - still nil-all with 5 minutes to play https://t.co/RNjIbfvUIT #HWC2018 #GreeMachine #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/H59MRNNKWh
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 2, 2018
And she was heroic through the shootout, forcing three straight India misses
What about this from Ali Meeke?
Cheeeeeky.
And that winning penalty courtesy of Chloe Watkins
What a moment! Ireland have done it, they're into the Hockey World Cup semi-finals!!!! #HWC2018 #GreenMachine #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/7K6cc8TyBC
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 2, 2018
Incredible scenes.
Ireland are into the semi-finals!!! #HWC2018 @IreWomenHockey #BehindEveryGreatPlayer pic.twitter.com/nEgaGDNcVK
— England Hockey (@EnglandHockey) August 2, 2018
On we go. A world Cup semi-final: Spain, tomorrow, 2pm (live on RTÉ).
The stuff of dreams.
Highlights in full, from International Hockey Federation (FIH):
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