Ireland coach Graham Shaw say his side have exercised the demons from not qualifying for the Rio Olympics in 2016.
Shaw's Ireland side overcame India again in the quarter-final of the World Cup in London earlier this evening.
The Irish Ladies played out a tense stalemate in the last eight encounter against their Indian counterpart in Queen Elizabeth Park, and advanced 3-1 after a penalty shootout.
WORLD CUP SEMI FINALISTS!!! There are no words 💚💚💚 pic.twitter.com/fCJJWubvQ3
— Green Army (@IreWomenHockey) August 2, 2018
The coach says it's a life changing moment for his squad but says their attitude has been key to progressing too the last four in the tournament.
"It's probably a life changing moment for this group. It's difficult but the focus has been superb since the day we arrived. Their attention to detail and how they prepare - They have player meetings themselves, where they do a SWAT analysis on the opposition,' added Shaw
Shaw and Katie Mullen joined Nathan Murphy on this evening's OTB after the famous victory.
Shaw says he's ecstatic for his players. The former Glenanne player's side came so close to qualifying for the Rio Olympics in 2016. Losing out in a final qualification game. Shaw says those demons have been laid to rest.
"I think I need a bit of time to reflect. I'm just so proud. The effort, the discipline in what we set out to do. It's brilliant. Just to win in a shootout and to bury these demons from 2015 from not qualifying for Rio. So, I'm absolutely over the moon - couldn't be prouder of them.
Ireland were ranked #16 coming into the tournament. The "Girls in green" have now secured a birth in the last four of the competition, and Shaw hopes the sport will now get the recognition in Ireland that it deserves.
"They deserve every single thing they get out of this. It's just an absolute pleasure to be a part of this group.
Shaw says his side are familiar with their Spanish opponents. The manager say they will enjoy the moment but have done their homework on the spaniards.
"We've already prepared a database in them. We know where their strengths and weaknesses lie. So, it's just a matter of re-focus for the group,' said Shaw.
Ireland player Mullen expressed her joy at the result but knows they have a tough task against the Spanish. The pair clash ON Saturday at 4:30pm BST.
"We know each other quiet well. It will be a great semi-final, and I know the girls will be up for it."
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