It was a dramatic end for the Ireland women's hockey team, as they beat India in a penalty shootout to secure their first semi-final in the Women's Hockey World Cup.
The star for Ireland was goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, who saved three of India's penalties as Ireland prevailed, but it was Chloe Watkins who struck the decisive penalty to send the Green Machine into a semi-final showdown with Spain.
What a moment! Ireland have done it, they're into the Hockey World Cup semi-finals!!!! #HWC2018 #GreenMachine #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/7K6cc8TyBC
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 2, 2018
McFerran also made a crucial save in regulation time after India were awarded a penalty corner with five minutes remaining:
Ayeisha McFerran to the rescue again! Ireland are digging deep - still nil-all with 5 minutes to play https://t.co/RNjIbfvUIT #HWC2018 #GreeMachine #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/H59MRNNKWh
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 2, 2018
Following the win, Chloe Watkins heaped praise upon McFerran, stating that the team knew that they have the best keeper in the game:
"We knew we had the best keeper in the game" - Ireland hero Chloe Watkins is overwhelmed as her country make the #HWC2018 semi-finals. Historic. https://t.co/RNjIbfvUIT #RTEsport pic.twitter.com/pP9gmJLR35
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 2, 2018
Graham Shaw will now prepare his side to take Ireland on Spain this Saturday, who beat Germany 1-0 in their quarter final.
