Surbiton’s Giselle Ansley set up with a World Cup cross-over clash between England and South Korea with the only goal in England’s 1-0 victory over Ireland tonight.
Ansley’s goal came seven minutes from full-time when her shot deflected in off the stick of Hannah Matthews, gaining England reward for their dominance.
England needed at least a draw from the game to give themselves a chance at reaching the quarter-finals whilst Ireland had already reached the next stage as group winners.
Ansley said: “Obviously we are absolutely delighted and this means we are unbeaten in the pool.
“To get the win today and give ourselves that momentum going into the knockouts is absolutely huge.”
England’s penalty corners were again at the forefront of discussion – they took 14 before scoring.
Head coach Danny Kerry said: “When momentum around a corner story builds, then the players put pressure on themselves.
“I think people now have started to get a little anxious and lose a little bit of belief.
“My job over the next few days is to say ‘we’ve got to commit to the corners, got to believe and just go for it’.”
Ireland, who have reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup for the first time ever, will face either Italy or India.
Head coach Graham Shaw said: “Before the tournament you definitely would have taken either of them as an opponent.
“We don’t look on it as easier opposition and we look at them as a different challenge. They will be really dangerous. We start preparation on both teams now.”
