IRELAND CAME FROM a goal behind to guarantee themselves a place at this summer’s World Cup qualifying tournament after marching into the World League final in Belfast with a 3-1 win over Wales.
Craig Fulton’s side will now face France in tomorrow’s final having also assured progression to Round 3 of the World League in Johannesburg in June and July.
Ireland, who are without several of their squad from last year’s Olympics in Rio, went behind to Gareth Furlong’s early goal at Stormont but responded emphatically to book their place in Sunday’s decider.
Shane O’Donoghue and teenager Ben Walker scored in quick succession to give the hosts a half-time lead before Neal Glassey sealed the victory in the final quarter.
Speaking to Hook Hockey after the game, Fulton praised his side, currently ranked 10th in the world, for achieving their primary objective and taking another step towards the 2018 World Cup.
“Target achieved for sure but we do have one more game to go and we want to win the final,” the Ireland coach said.
“We played well today; it was a tough game and all credit to Wales. They were an attacking side and strong defensively. We had to be patient.”
Tomorrow’s final starts at 4.45pm.
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