Wales edged passed Ireland in a nervy encounter which ended one all after normal time, with the result being decided after Wales emerged victorious from the shootout.
The game was a tale of two great defences, with both keepers on top form throughout the semi-final.
The Welsh started on the back foot conceded a very early breakthrough. A rare lapse in concentration allowed Ireland to break within the first minute, with Michael Robson converting from close range to give his side an early boost.
The first quarter was an even contest for the most part, with Wales struggling to capitalise on a flurry of short corners with ten minutes played.
Rupert Shipperley was a bright spark as Wales chased an equaliser, but his dazzling run into the area came to nothing as his final ball failed to find another Welsh shirt.
Ireland keeper Jamie Carr was alert in the start of the second quarter as he dealt with numerous shots to thwart the pressure and keep his team in the driver’s seat.
Wales’ efforts were soon rewarded though courtesy of a stunning goal from Joseph Naughaty. With seemingly no passing options in front of him he went on a dazzling run, weaving in and out of Ireland’s defence before picking the perfect moment to fire home.
The goal signalled a shift in momentum as Ireland fell onto the back foot for the remainder of the quarter. Naughaty would have doubled his tally for the afternoon on the stroke of half time had it not been for Carr’s heroic efforts in goal.
The timing of the half-time interval suited Ireland as they came out all guns blazing in the third quarter, pulling no punches in an attempt to regain the lead. It was Wales’ turn to survive a storm of short corners with Daniel Kyriakides providing all the answers in goal.
Wales were left with an uphill battle in the final minute of the third quarter when Luke Hawker was given a green card, however they were soon relieved when Shane O’Donoghue received a yellow for a worse infringement at the start of the fourth.
It has to be said that Ireland certainly finished looking like the better side, but it was the same old story as they failed to capitalise on the number of short corners they received late on in the game. It would not be far-fetched to say that Wales hung on to survive the last few minutes.
The shootout itself equalled the actual match in its’ tension and nervousness as it finished 2-1 to Wales. Goals from Rupert Shipperley and Jack Pritchard were enough to cancel out Sean Murrays strike to secure a historic win for the Welsh, which secured their World Cup place as well as their place in tomorrow’s final. Wales will face France in an all-important battle for the top seed.
Owen Gardner's Sports Blog 