Ireland's women secured a crucial 3-2 win over New Zealand at the Hockey World Cup in Wavre, Belgium, on Tuesday, marking their first pool-stage victory in eight years and keeping their tournament hopes alive. The team said they drew inspiration from Irish athletes and swimmers who won medals at the recent European Athletics and Swimming Championships, with players Roisin Upton and Katie Mullan describing how the squad followed those performances closely during the tournament.

Sarah Hawkshaw opened the scoring in the second quarter from a deflected cross before New Zealand equalised with a penalty corner after half-time. Roisin Upton then converted a penalty stroke and set up a further goal for Mullan in the fourth quarter to put Ireland 3-1 up, before New Zealand netted a late consolation. The win follows a narrow opening defeat to Spain and sets up a high-profile clash against hosts Belgium on Thursday, a fixture Ireland will likely need a result from to progress.