Gutsy Ireland assured of World Cup play-offs

Women's Hockey

Women's Hockey

Ireland turned in a gutsy second-half performance when they hit back from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw with Ukraine in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Amiens, France today which guarantees them a place in the play-offs.

They will now face either Lithuania, Canada or Scotland from Pool B, depending on how results go this afternoon. The play-off will take place this Saturday at noon Irish time.

After failing to capitalise from six first-half penalty corners, Ireland went a goal down in the 38th minute when Tatiana Kobzenko hammered in a penalty corner.

READ MORE

Ireland’s response was to push forward and take advantage Ukraine's ill discipline when they were reduced to nine players. Jill Orbinson got the equaliser when she drove in a corner 10 minutes later.