THE IRISH HOCKEY team is only one victory away from competing in the Olympics in London later this year, following a 1-1 draw against Malaysia in Belfield.
John Jermyn scored the vital equaliser for Ireland and they go into a play-off against Korea on Sunday in a bid to secure their slot in the Games.
Ireland managed to boss the game for long periods but their short corner routines faltered, and they were made to pay the price on 40 minutes when Malaysia took a surprise lead.
Nabil Fiqri was the corner, diving to divert Sukri crash ball into the Irish net.
While Malaysia sat back, Ireland never lost their confidence or their composure and continued to win the corners.
This ultimately paid off with ten minutes to go, Jermyn stepping up to roof a drag-flick and grab his 74th international goal.
Malaysia lost their discipline at that point and Ireland controlled the play to wind down the clock and win the point they needed. They take on South Korea at 4pm on Sunday — a game that will be carried live on RTE — after the Asian side beat Russia 5-1 on Friday.
