Shootout defeat to Spain but Ireland 'buzzing' for second chance at Games spot against GB

The Green Army put in another stout defensive display but ultimately lost out to the hosts.

Ireland’s Kathryn Mullan speaks to the team in a huddle. Picture: INPHO/Frank Uijlenbroek

An upbeat Naomi Carroll says Ireland women are “absolutely buzzing” at the prospect of one final chance to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite their agonising semi-final shoot-out defeat against hosts Spain.

That her comments came shortly after Ireland’s 3-0 shoot-out loss following a scoreless 60 minutes tells the story - they have conceded just one goal in four matches - of the Green Army’s campaign and confidence heading into tomorrow’s bronze medal clash with Great Britain to decide the final Paris ticket.

“There are huge positives to take,” said the Cratloe native. “We are disappointed not to come away in the shoot-out after a 0-0 but we know we have another opportunity.

“We defended extremely well. We kept Spain to zero goals, we know they are threatening, have quick hands with touches down the line. But we can’t wait to go again.” 

Not even Ireland’s past shoot-out hero Ayeisha McFerran could push the Green Army over the line this time. Ireland were left distraught after Roisin Upton, Sarah Hawkshaw and Hannah McLoughlin all spurned their efforts to leave Spain celebrating wildly.

McFerran stood tall to save Spain’s first effort from Laia Vidosa. But in front of a sell-out crowd, Spain’s goalkeeper Clara Perez, who helped the under-21 side to beat the mighty Netherlands in the 2019 EuroHockey junior final, came to the fore.

Maria Lopez then lobbed McFerran with a wonderful effort from the top of the circle to spark wild scenes at the Campo de Hockey.

Victory for the hosts saw Spain atone for their defeat to the Green Army in the 2018 World Cup shoot-out semi-finals. Defeat for Ireland left Sean Dancer’s side with 48 hours to rally themselves.

Carroll added: “We have been working so hard in training, we knew it was never going to be easy, there will always be ups and downs [in tournaments], but there is no time to feel sorry for ourselves. We get to go again and that’s the main thing.” 

Ireland will take heart from another fine defensive display. For Spain failed to notch a single penalty corner, or shot on goal through normal time as McFerran was kept quiet all game.

Katie Mullan was handed the first chance but shot wide with a scuffed forehand. Meanwhile, Michelle Carey and Hawkshaw were making hay on the left flank in a first quarter Ireland dominated.

Mullan had the game’s first shot on target, a reverse from a tight angle which Perez gloved away. It led to the first corner, but Ireland’s battery couldn’t control the injection.

Dancer’s side continued to press Spain in the second quarter, but Spain were equal to any circle threat with resolute stick tackles. As the half ended, Spain rallied as Julia Strappato made several dangerous runs and crosses.

A second penalty corner of the match fell Ireland’s way with six minutes left of the third quarter, but the Green Army failed to make inroads again after a mistrap.

With 20 seconds left of the quarter, Deirdre Duke spun on the turn and sent a powerful forehand goalwards. It was heading low into the corner but Perez deflected wide in the nick of time by stretching out her left pad.

Spain had the lion’s share of possession in the final 10 minutes, while their first penalty corner chance was overturned in Ireland’s favour. So too a final corner review with 40 seconds left.

The sight of McFerran then walking to her line for the shoot-out would have given Ireland’s noisy support plenty of belief. But thrown into action for the first time, Spain’s efforts were taken with aplomb.

“We dominated the game and I’m incredibly proud of the character we showed to show up and perform in a semi-final,” captain Mullan said. “It’s something we take huge confidence from heading into the play-off.

“Credit to Spain, they held out, but we are united as a team. We take so much pride in our circle and defending it.

“The hunger is there and that is such a powerful thing. We are motivated already and it won’t take much to lift us.” 

Belgium later beat Great Britain 3-2 in a riveting semi-final to reach their first Olympics since 2012.