Ireland have booked their place in the decider of the FIH Series Finals following a comprehensive 4-0 win over the Czech Republic.
Goals from Shirley McCay, Zoe Wilson, Sarah Hawkshaw and Anna O'Flanagan clinched the victory for the Green Army and sends them through to the final where they will face either Korea or Malaysia.
Reaching the decider of the competition also ensures that Ireland earn an Olympic play-off tie as well.
FULL TIME. Ireland 4-0 Czech Republic. We've done it!!! The Green Army have reached the FINAL of the FIH Series Finals in Banbridge, facing the winner of Korea & Malaysia at 15.30. #FIHSeriesFinals #RoadToTokyo #20X20 pic.twitter.com/9aegJEAXp3
— Irish Hockey (@irishhockey) June 15, 2019
Interim head coach Gareth Grundie said: "I’m very pleased with that performance, it was controlled and disciplined.
"We played good, attacking hockey and their keeper had a few good saves.
"We’re looking forward to recovering and preparing to go again tomorrow."
Korea beat Malaysia 3-0 in the second semi-final of the day claiming their spot in the final tomorrow (3.30pm) against the Green Army.
Grundie added: "We’ve done a fair bit of work on Korea ahead of the tournament.
"We’re looking forward to a good competitive game. Now that top two is assured we can relax and play our style of hockey".
Ireland: A McFerran, K Mullan, L Tice, G Pinder, B Barr, L Colvin, H Matthews, A O’Flanagan, Z Wilson, D Duke, A Meeke
Subs: R Upton, C Brown, S McCay, C Watkins, N Daly, S Hawkshaw, E Buckley
Czech Republic: B Cechakova, K Lacina, J Reichlova, A Koziskova, T Mejzlikova, V Novakova, A Lehovcova, A Kolarova, V Decsyova, A Vorlova, N Novakova
Subs: T Holubcova, N Hajkova, K Jelinkova, R Capouchova, N Babicka, M Hlavata, B Brizova
