IRELAND were surprise silver medalists in the 2018 World Cup, falling to Spain in the final.
Runners up in the most recent edition, Ireland booked their place at the 2022 World Cup with a 2-1 win over Wales on Sunday.
The Pisa event was Ireland’s last opportunity to claim a place in the World Cup, having failed to finish in the top five of the summer’s European Championships.
The win secures their place at next year’s tournament in Spain and the Netherlands after they overcame France and Belarus in previous rounds.
Qualified! pic.twitter.com/LP7xScLnXO
— Hockey Ireland (@irishhockey) October 24, 2021
Anna O’Flanagan was key to success for Sean Dancer’s side with her double enough to give Ireland the win.
O’Flanagan handed Ireland the lead inside eight minutes but were pegged back by the Welsh side at the end of the first quarter.
But O’Flanagan struck for her 86th Irish goal on 49 minutes as Ireland held on for the valuable win.
reflecting on the “huge win”, Dancer was full of praise for his side as they now turn their focus to the World Cup next year.
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