"2018 is the year, the Green Army march on ... Ireland are in the World Cup final ... Ireland, Ireland are in the final of the World Cup!"
Speaking from London's Lee Valley stadium, RTÉ's George Hamilton summed up the euphoria that has engulfed Irish sport this afternoon. Two days after an unforgettable shoot-out win against India, the Ireland women's hockey team have done it again. But this time, for a place in the World Cup final.
IRELAND ARE INTO THE #HWC2018 WORLD CUP FINAL!!!!!!! #RTEsport #GreenMachine pic.twitter.com/Iwiaw86kqH
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 4, 2018
In an intensely competitive semi-final clash against Spain in London this afternoon, the sides could not be separated after an hour of play; deadlocked at 1-1. After having been largely a spectator for the duration of the match, the Irish 'keeper Ayeisha McFerran was once again called upon to make a decisive impact in the resulting shoot-out.
Delivering an outstanding performance in the quarter-final shoot-out win against India, McFerran was once more up to the monumental task; saving four of Spain's six penalties.
Going to sudden-death in the shoot-out, it was Ireland who would come out on top with a 3-2 scoreline.
1-0 after an intense hour of play, Ireland's will now play the victors of this evening's other semi-final between the Netherlands and Australia in tomorrow's World Cup final.
With so many people across the country watching in to RTÉ's coverage of today's semi-final, Anna O'Flanagan's early goal brought a wave of euphoria.
GOAL!!!!!! Ireland 1-0 - It's Anna O'Flanagan! https://t.co/MEXD5LzWCU #HWC2018 #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/iHlahDi3a3
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 4, 2018
However, as Ireland lagged a little in the difficult weather conditions, the Spanish leveled things up in the second-half.
GOAL! Ireland 1-1 Spain - The Spaniards are level https://t.co/MEXD5LzWCU #RTEsport #HWC2018 pic.twitter.com/2VzYIlS6bV
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 4, 2018
Despite looking to feel strains of tiredness as the semi-final progressed, the Ireland women's hockey team held their nerve well.
Unable to be separated after the hour mark, yet another penalty shoot out win will have Ireland confident that whether it is the Netherlands or Australia who come next, they will be in with a chance.
