New Zealand women won the right to participate in the FIH Pro League after beating Ireland in a shoot-out to win the Nations Cup in Santiago, Chile.
The Black Sticks pulled out of the 2023 Pro League to focus on qualifying for the Paris Olympics, but they will now have the right to compete after beating the Green Army following a 1-1 normal time draw.
The Black Sticks opened the scoring in the first quarter with Emila Surridge’s 6th minute finish.
The Green Army pulled their goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran with six minutes remaining in the match and Katie Mullan scored late to set up the shoot-outs.
New Zealand, however, held their nerve to prevail 4-2, with Kiwi Holly Pearson winning player of the match.
“Obviously during the match we were up 1-0 for majority of the game,” she said. “But in the second half Ireland really put us under the pump and scoring that goal was tough for us. But very happy to get the win in the shootout. It’s something we have been practicing for a long time”.
Ireland coach Gareth Grundie said: “We have short-term and long-term ambitions. We have still a way to go in terms of the ultimate goal, but after taking a bit of time out we’ll come back stronger.
“Focus on the things we need to do. We have the Europeans next and there’s other targets in the next few months and a World Cup to qualify for.”
Meanwhile, Chile won bronze with a 2-1 win over the USA. Scotland finished fifth after a strong 2-0 win over Japan, while Korea defeated Canada 2-0 to avoid last place.
Chris Duncan, Scotland’s national women’s hockey coach, was “lost for words” to describe his squad after they edged Japan 2-0 to claim fifth spot in their debut in the Nations Cup and rise to a highest ever world ranking.
The Tartan Hearts are now No 15 in the world.
Duncan said: “I can’t express my pride and delight at the way the players have approached this tournament.
“The results are wonderful but the performances are indicative of the growth that they have made, the changes in their belief and their desire to always want more.”
