Ireland to take on New Zealand in FIH Hockey Nations Cup final
FINAL: Ireland will take on New Zealand in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup final this evening. Pic: WORLDSPORTPICS RODRIGO JARAMILLO
Ireland’s opponent for tonight’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup final was confirmed late last night following the result of the other semi-final in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup. Ireland, who are currently ranked no. 11 in the world, will face World no. 10 New Zealand for the title and a place in the FIH Pro League at 9.30pm Irish time.
Ireland have enjoyed four strong performances in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup thus far, putting together a perfect Pool stage during which they won all three of their games, scoring six times and keeping three clean sheets to progress to the knockout stages where they faced USA. It was at this point that Ireland faced their first considerable challenge, conceding their first goal of the tournament just four minutes into semi-final, forcing them to have to come from behind to secure their finals berth.
And come from behind they did, with Roisín Upton putting the sides back on level terms from the penalty spot, and Katie Mullan producing a moment of magic to give Ireland a lead they defended until the final whistle.
Ireland will now face New Zealand in the final, with the Black Sticks beating Chile in a penalty shootout to secure their place in tomorrow’s final. The two sides are well acquainted, having met in last year’s semi-final in Terrassa, Spain, where Ireland came from behind to win 2-1, and during a tight encounter in this year’s pool stage, where Ireland won 1-0.
Ireland’s Final match versus New Zealand at 9.30pm on Sunday, March 2 will be available to watch live on YouTube Spórt TG4.
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