After defeats to England and Belgium meant losing a place in the semi-finals, it was still all on the line for Ireland at the European U21 Championships: a place in the Junior World Cup and staying in the top tier of competition.
And the Girls in Green came through when it counted in a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over France.
Lucy Mackey opened the scoring for Ireland from a penalty corner almost immediately, but Jardemar Adele soon equalized for France, and Lassalle Mathea scored from open play to give France the lead in the second quarter.
The third quarter was scoreless. Leah O'Shea equalized for Ireland off a penalty stroke in the 48th minute before Lauren Moore scored what would be the winner from open play two minutes later, and that was a World Cup slot secured.
WORLD CUP PLACE SECURED ☘️
Our IRL U21 Women staged an emphatic comeback against France to book their place in the Junior World Cup!#TheFutureIsGreen #SummerOfHockey pic.twitter.com/fSJe1dwkcd— Hockey Ireland (@irishhockey) July 20, 2024
