THE IRELAND WOMEN’S hockey team have recorded a historic victory this afternoon, beating USA 2-0 in their World League clash to move within one more win of Olympic qualification.
Ireland, who are ranked 14th in the world, have now won three of their four Pool B matches to book a place in the quarter-finals and victory in that tie on Thursday would be enough to secure qualification for Rio 2016.
Germany’s goalless draw with South Africa means Ireland top their group and will face China in the quarter-finals.
Having lost to the same opposition three times in the last month, Ireland produced a heroic performance in Valencia to stun the side ranked fifth in the world.
Goals from captain Megan Frazer and Anna O’Flanagan sealed a famous win on a memorable day for the sport in this country.
“It is a result to be cherished,” coach Smith said. “It was a really important win. First and foremost, we wanted to finish as high up in the group as possible and to beat the world number five side, World Cup semi-finalists, is something to be cherished.
“The higher up the pool you finish give you momentum for the semi-finals.”
The semi-finalists earn an automatic berth at next summer’s Olympics and Ireland have never qualified for the Games in either men’s or women’s hockey.
