Now, this takes serious skill to execute, as well as nerve.
Ireland’s women are in the Hockey World Cup final. They had to work to get there though. Our heroes in London were pushed all the way in their semi-final match against Spain.
They led in the first half through Anna O’Flanagan’s deflected effort, before the Spanish mounted some serious pressure, eventually equalising in the third quarter.
It took sudden death in the penalty shoot-out to separate the two sides. Ireland held the advantage for most of the shoot-out and led 2-1 as Lola Riera stepped up to take her side’s fifth penalty.
There was pressure on Riera. If she missed, Spain were out. She had to score to force sudden death.
Not only did the Spaniard score her penalty, she audaciously beat Irish goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran with a deft chip over her head. Not only does it take some serious skill to pull this one off, but given the magnitude of the situation, it took plenty more bravery, guts and nerve.
Have a look for yourself.
@Lola_Riera Unbelieveable #FIHGoal at the @Vitality_UK #HWC2018 in London! 👏
IRL v ESP @AbsolutaFem
Watch here 📺 https://t.co/Ng8PUTqYpA pic.twitter.com/dC1HrzFFAu— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) August 4, 2018
Fortunately for us, McFerran saved Spain’s opening penalty of sudden death before Gillian Pinder stepped up to send Ireland into it’s first ever World Cup final.
