Ireland beat NZ to reach Nations Cup semi-finals

Naomi Carroll hit the only goal in Ireland's win over New Zealand in Santiago

Ireland's women followed up their opening 3-0 win over Scotland on Sunday by beating New Zealand 1-0 to clinch a semi-final place at the FIH Women's Nations Cup in Santiago with a game to spare.

Scotland's surprise 2-0 win over Korea in Chile condemned the Asian side to their second defeat and set up the opportunity for the winners of the Ireland/New Zealand game to clinch that place in the semi-finals on Saturday.

The only goal came from Naomi Carroll in the final minute of the first half.

Ireland limited the Kiwis to a couple of good chances but goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran was in top form.

The Irish women controlled the final quarter and had several opportunities to add to the scoreline and will need to show more composure in attack as the competition goes on.

In the final round of pool matches on Thursday, Ireland will face Korea and they'll be joined in the last four by the winners of the game between New Zealand and Scotland.

The winners of the Nations Cup clinch promotion to the FIH Pro League for the 2025-2026 season.

Meanwhile, in their final match of the latest men's Pro League stage in India, Ireland twice led world champions Germany before losing 4-2.

It was a much improved Irish display from the 8-2 defeat by the Germans on Monday.

Goals from the Nelson brothers Matthew and Ben put Ireland in front but a controversial penalty corner and penalty stroke helped the world champions fight back to win.