Men's Olympic Qualifiers: Ireland beat Japan 1-0 to edge closer to securing place at Paris Games

Ireland players congratulate Luke Madeley after he scored the winning goal

Ireland beat Japan 1-0 to book a semi-final spot at the Olympic Qualifying tournament in Valencia and move closer to securing a place at the Paris Games.

A win over hosts Spain in the last four on Friday would see the Irish team claim a spot at this summer's Olympics.

In a tight first half Luke Madeley converted a well worked penalty corner routine to give Ireland the lead.

Ireland retreated after half-time and had to defend resiliently to keep the Japanese at bay.

A defeat on Friday would see Ireland face either Korea or Belgium in the third-fourth place match with the winners claiming the final Olympic berth.

"It was important today just getting over the line. I think that final group game is the big one because it gives us the opportunity of the two games to qualify," said Ireland coach Mark Tumilty after his side's victory.

"We wanted to get out of our group. That was our objective. I look forward to playing Spain here now on Friday."

Both sides cancelled each other out in the first quarter and goal scoring opportunities were rare. Ireland gradually got on top however and five minutes into the second quarter they took the lead from their first penalty corner.

A nicely worked routine had the Japanese defence committed to the shot from Shane O'Donoghue but a switch to Madeley was disguised brilliantly and he slotted the ball into the net.

Once the goal was scored Ireland began to sit back. They conceded a lot of possession but saw out the half with no alarms.

Needing two goals to move on, Japan dominated the second half and for large portions Ireland struggled to get hold of the ball.

They had to defend five penalty corners in the third quarter alone and from one of those Japan were initially awarded a penalty stroke when the ball struck the foot of Tim Cross.

Ireland called for a review and because goalkeeper Davy Harte was behind Cross and in line with the shot the call was overturned and it became another penalty corner that Japan failed to convert.

They wasted another two penalty corners in the final quarter as Ireland's defence, marshalled by O'Donoghue, Madeley and Kyle Marshall held out for the win that kept their Olympic dream alive.

'A true dogfight'

"I think from our point of view, it was just the definition of a true dogfight. We dug in at times," said O'Donoghue.

"But I think collectively it was a superb performance. Every man stood up. You know, obviously, David was super in goal as well. He made some key saves at key moments. But I just think as a unit, we performed as one."

"Spain are an excellent side, they are very well organised. They play a very attacking brand of hockey with some world class players. It'll be a challenge for us.

"We can go into the game as underdogs, but maybe we could just produce a performance on Friday that might get that win. If not then we've always got another opportunity on Sunday."