Ireland clinch semi-final spot to keep Olympic quest on track

The Green Army saw off Korea in Valencia. 

Ireland’s Sarah Hawkshaw celebrates after scoring with Michelle Carey. Picture: INPHO/Frank Uijlenbroek

Forget nerve-jangling drama. Ireland women simply put on another authoritative 60-minute show to advance to the Olympic qualifying semi-finals after downing Korea 3-1 here.

Undefeated and leaking a solitary goal from their three group games, Ireland will now play hosts Spain on Thursday in fine fettle after second-half goals from Sarah Hawkshaw, Deirdre Duke and Rosin Upton ended Korea’s Paris dream.