Ireland are one win away from the women’s FIH World Cup this summer after they impressed in the group stages in Chile, winning three from three ahead of their semi-final qualifier date with Australia.

They swept by the challenge of Malaysia 5-0 in game one, recording their biggest ever win over the Asian side with Katie Mullan and Caoimhe Perdue’s first half goals setting them on their way.

The Green Army assured their place in the semi-finals when they defeated Japan 2-1, again building a two-goal lead in the first half and then staying clear in the second period.

And top spot in the group was assured when they came back from a goal down to defeat Canada 5-1, the first time they had beaten this opponent in normal time in six attempts.

Sarah Torrans’ pair of diving tip-ins added to a third Perdue goal of the competition with Jessica McMaster and youngster Amy Handcock also weighing in with goals.

Europe’s interest in earning further World Cup qualifiers, however, ended in Pool A with France and Switzerland both succumbing to Chile and Australia in their group matches.

They will play off over the weekend for world ranking points in their fifth-eighth place classification fixtures.

On Sunday, meanwhile, the final qualifier gets underway in India with Austria, England and Italy in Pool A of the eight-team competition while Scotland and Wales are in Pool B.

All will be hoping for at least a top three finish which guarantees a ticket to the summer showcase.