The Republic of Ireland will play the greatest event of women’s football for the first time in their history. As a case, The Girls in Green will be elated about the occasion of sharing the pitch with top stars around. Vera Pauw’s side are not short of star names either with captain Katie McCabe of WSL powerhouse Arsenal set to guide them to prominence in the event starting in July.
Qualification for the Women’s World Cup
The Girls in Green entered the playoff of the 2023 Women’s World Cup qualifiers where they meet Scotland. Substitute Amber Barrett’s 72nd-minute strike between the two as Ireland ended the Scots’ dream to be in the finals for the consecutive time to earn their debut. Caroline Weir also missed her penalty as Pauw’s team made it difficult for the opposition to create chances despite having less possession of the ball. In the group stages, Ireland finished five points behind first-place Sweden.
Preparation for the Women’s World Cup
Ireland played three friendlies to get set for the event in Australia and New Zealand. Two friendlies against the holders USA were staged in April in which they avoided being beaten heavily with only 2-0 and then a 1-0 loss to show. In the pre-World Cup match against Zambia in June, the team was involved in a 3-2 thrilling without some first teamers due to injury including McCabe.
Ireland Squad
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh
Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State Seminoles), Aine O’Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Dianne Caldwell (Reading), Claire O’Riordan (Celtic), Megan Connolly, Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City)
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Sinead Farrelly (Gotham FC), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City)
Forwards: Kya Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Turbine Potsdam), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers)
Head Coach: Vera Pauw
Liverpool forward Leanne Kiernan along with team-mate Megan Campbell and Manchester United defender Aoife Mannion did not make the squad due to injury ruling them out of the tournament. Birmingham City’s Jamie Finn and Jess Ziu of West Ham are not taken into consideration. Although, the former with Harriet Scott and Sophie Whitehouse is part of the training roster.
Strength
Ireland’s strength is their solidity which has helped them to earn qualification. They merely conceded four goals in the entire qualifiers and will like to carry the momentum in the main stage now. Clubbed with tournament co-hosts Australia, Olympic gold medalists Canada and African heavyweights Nigeria, the defence has to be up to the mark if the Girls in Green are determined to offset anyone one of them to place themselves in the knockouts. Ireland have three good goalkeepers in their rank with number one Courtney Brosnan of Everton needing to produce her A-game to keep the opposition at bay.
Weakness
However, the pressure will be too large for Ireland’s robust defence at the Women’s World Cup with the calibre of opposition they are going to face. The inexperience is bound to trouble them even though they have certain leaders in the squad. Also, the team do not have a potent goal threat other than McCabe. They also did not score enough other than the two massive wins over Gibraltar in the qualifiers. This is a drawback for the team.
Key Player: Katie McCabe
A lot will rely on Katie McCabe's left foot and her feisty nature to carry Ireland forward in the Women’s World Cup. Also, the captain of the side, McCabe is also determined to show her leadership skills for her teammates in a tournament which will ask a lot out of them. The first big competition with the national team for her as well but the experience of playing at the top level with Arsenal will help. Capable of playing on either wing and also operating as left-back, the 27-year-old versatility will be another useful trait for Ireland to thrive upon. Her eye for a goal is obviously necessary for the side.
How will Ireland Lineup at the Women’s World Cup?
Ireland Women’s World Cup Fixtures
Group B
Australia
Canada
Ireland
Nigeria
Thursday, 20 July 2023
Australia vs Ireland - Stadium Australia, Sydney (15:30)
Wednesday, 26 July 2023
Canada vs Ireland - HBF Park, Perth (17:30)
Monday, 31 July 2023
Irelands vs Nigeria - Suncorp Stadium (15:30)
Prediction
Ireland could not have asked for a difficult group for their debut Women's World Cup campaign. With the inexperience and gulf in quality, it will take a miracle out of the Girls of the Greens to make it to the knockout stage of the competition. That being said, playing with just pride will give this side a boost in any situation they find themselves in. They will have the support regardless and it will be one to cherish.
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