Ireland close disappointing WC campaign with win

A first-quarter goal from Michelle Carey was enough for Ireland to end their Hockey World Cup campaign on a high with victory over South Africa in Thursday's 13th/14th place play-off match.

Player of the match Niamh Carey set up twin sister Michelle for the game's only goal with a fine move down the left flank.

While Ireland spurned opportunities to extend their advantage throughout the game, they managed to shut South Africa out to secure 13th place in Amsterdam.

Ireland's disappointing World Cup campaign - which featured defeats by Spain, Belgium, Scotland and the USA and a 3-2 win over New Zealand - means they will not be among the six seeded countries at the 2027 EuroHockey Championships in London.

"We didn't finish necessarily where we wanted to in this World Cup, and we had a few ups and downs throughout, so ending on a win is definitely really important for us as a team going forward," Niamh Carey said of Thursday's win.

"Ranking points-wise, it's also important for us as well."