Bronze eludes Ireland as Japan win Nations Cup third-fourth play-off clash

Ireland have finished fourth at the Women's FIH Hockey Nations Cup after a 3-2 defeat to Japan in the bronze medal match in Valencia, Spain.

Sean Dancer's side went ahead twice but Japan’s cutting edge in front of goal made the difference in the end.

Despite a goalless first half, the bronze medal match was anything but cagey. Japan put pressure on the Irish defence in the outlet, winning plenty of ball in their attacking half but tending to waste possession.

Ireland, by contrast, looked dangerous on the counter, particularly the Carey twins Michelle and Niamh, using their speed and skill on the wings.

Four of the match's five goals were scored in the third quarter as Ireland went in front twice, only for Japan to come back almost immediately on both occasions.

The Japan defence proved difficult to break down but it was captain Katie Mullan who, with the deftest of touches, found a way through five minutes into the second half.

Sarah McAuley hit a hopeful cross from the left side. Her bouncing ball went goalward and Mullan glanced the ball past her defender, slightly changing the line of the ball and wrongfooting the Japan goalkeeper.

The umpire referred to the video umpire, asking for confirmation that it did touch an Ireland stick. There was no advice possible and so the decision went with the on-field umpire – the goal stood and Ireland went one in front.

Japan won their first penalty corner four minutes later, however, and though the initial shot was saved by Liz Murphy in goal, it fell kindly to the unmarked Mai Toriyama who didn’t need a second invitation to bring her side level.

The scores did not remain level for long however as Ireland went straight back down the pitch to win their first corner of the game, and an