Scotland will play in the women’s Hockey World Cup for the first time since 2002 after beating Italy 1-0 in a tense play-off.
A place in the tournament was up for grabs in the third-place play-off at the qualifying event in Hyderabad, India.
Amy Costello got the Scots off to a great start when she smashed a penalty corner strike into the bottom right corner.
Scotland dominated the opening quarter and nearly went two goals to the good when Katherine Holdgate fashioned an opportunity late in the quarter, but a solid save denied her.
In the second quarter, Fiona Burnet was next to come close to doubling Scotland’s advantage when she latched on to a lovely pass from Heather McEwan, but the final effort fizzed wide of the left post from a tight angle.
Costello almost found the top right corner with a drag flick but it sailed just wide of the mark.
The second half saw Scotland continue to dominate the play, but the best chance of the third quarter went to Italy.
Federica Carta unleashed a ferocious drag flick that seemed certain for the bottom left corner, but Jess Buchanan produced an outstanding save.
“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 tournament will take place in Belgium and Netherlands in August.
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