Ireland defeat Malaysia in World Cup qualifier

A 5-0 win over Malaysia saw Ireland's women get their Pool B campaign at the World Cup qualifiers in Chile off to the perfect start.

Katie Mullan's opening goal in the second quarter set the Irish on their way and there was no looking back as they banked an opening win in the four-team group where they top-two reach the knockout phase.

Early pressure failed to bring a reward as Sarah Torrans and Mullan couldn't find the net with the game scoreless at the end of the first period.

Ireland's momentum carried into the second quarter and they got their reward as Mullan got a touch to Hannah McLoughlin's delivery.

While Roisin Upton saw a shot deflected wide, Ireland doubled their advantage before the half as from a penalty corner, Caoimhe Perdue's shot took a deflection into the goal.

Goalkeeper Elizabeth Murphy ensured the two-goal advantage stood at the break with a fine save and Ireland would again take control in the third quarter as they extended their lead through Sarah McAuley who took down an aerial from Roisin Upton and worked her way inside the circle to find the corner of the net.

Michelle Carey made it four three minutes later when finishing to the bottom corner and the issue was put beyond doubt as Upton flicked home a fifth.

There were opportunities for more in the fourth quarter with Niamh Carey just off target, while Sarah Hawkshaw, Christina Hamill and Mullan all denied from close range flicks.

The crossbar would thwart Upton late on but could not put a dampener on a fine start for the Irish who followed on from the men's side who won their opener against Canada on Sunday.

Both teams return to action on Tuesday with the men taking on Korea at 14:15 GMT and the women's side facing Japan at 18:45.