Ireland qualifies for the World Cup after a penalty shootout with Japan

Ireland dominated possession and territory in the first half but were unable to convert their advantage into goals.

Niamh Carey was inches away from setting up Emily Kelly to score, while Jessica McMaster saw her shot blocked and Charlotte Biggs hit the outside of the post.

High Irish pressure was causing Japan to turn the ball over but some other balls in the circle didn’t fall their way.

Japan only had a few minutes of sustained pressure when they won four corner kicks in quick succession but came up short.

There was more frustration for Ireland in the third quarter as Kelly saw another shot go wide and then deflect off the Japanese goalkeeper, and somehow the ball went off Michelle Curry and over the bar.

With two minutes left, Ireland thought they had scored. Out of confusion in front of the goal, Katie Mullen shot the ball into the net from close range.

The Irish celebrations were short-lived when, on the referee’s referral, it was ruled that the ball had struck the back stick of Mia Jennings.

Penalties were called for and it was Ireland who held their nerve to take the lead in dramatic fashion.