Scotland Secures Spot in Women's Hockey World Cup
Scotland will participate in the women's Hockey World Cup for the first time since 2002 after a tense play-off victory against Italy.
Amy Costello gave Scotland an early advantage in the third-place play-off held in Hyderabad, India, by scoring a penalty corner strike into the bottom right corner, putting the team ahead 1-0.
Scotland dominated the opening quarter and nearly extended their lead when Katherine Holdgate created a scoring opportunity late in the quarter, but a strong save prevented the goal.
In the second quarter, Fiona Burnet came close to doubling Scotland's lead after receiving a precise pass from Heather McEwan; however, her shot went wide of the left post from a tight angle.
Costello also nearly scored with a drag flick aimed at the top right corner, but it narrowly missed the target.
During the second half, Scotland continued to control the game, but Italy had the best chance in the third quarter. Federica Carta unleashed a powerful drag flick that seemed destined for the bottom left corner, only for Jess Buchanan to make an exceptional save to keep Scotland in the lead.
"It's the first time we've qualified for the FIH Hockey World Cup in 24 years. So, the feeling is quite incredible," Scotland captain Sarah Robertson told the FIH.
"We still haven't come to terms with it, but it's just amazing."
The upcoming tournament is scheduled to take place in Belgium and the Netherlands in August.
