Ireland into Hockey World Cup final

Credit: INPHO

Ireland have made history by securing a place in the Women's Hockey World Cup final after a dramatic shootout against Spain.

After a 1-1 draw at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Ireland won 3-2, with Gillian Pinder scoring twice as the contest went to sudden death.

Ireland have surprised during the tournament after going in as the second lowest-ranked team then topping a group containing hosts England and India.

Ireland's Anna O'Flanagan scores their first goal off a penalty corner Credit: INPHO

After only three minutes Ireland made a dream start to the semi-final, with Anna O'Flanagan touching in a penalty corner.

Spain fought back, with increasing pressure leading to an equaliser from Alicia Magaz nine minutes into the third quarter.

The score at full-time meant Ireland went into their second consecutive shootout following their quarter-final victory over India.

Ayeisha McFerran celebrates winning the shoot out Credit: INPHO

Graham Shaw's side made the perfect start as Pinder tucked her effort away but Georgina Oliva levelled with Spain's third one-on-one attempt.

With the goalkeepers in the ascendancy, Claudia Watkins looked like she might have won it for Ireland only for Lola Riera to immediately cancel that out.

After five attempts for each side, the sequence began again, this time with Spain going first.

After Oliva's shot was saved by Larne’s Ayeisha McFerran,Pinder confidently converted the winning shot putting Ireland into Sunday’s World Cup final.