Champions Travel

Ireland firmly in the mix in FIFA Women’s World Cup Group B

The eyes of the world were upon them. They were also rans in a narrative surrounding the emergence of women’s football in Australia. An afterthought in the discussion about the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup down under.

However, as they tend to do so often, Ireland more than proved their worth at international level, playing the role of disruptor and underdog perfectly in their opening fixture.

Ultimately, it was not quite enough at a raucous Stadium Australia, as the Matildas got over the line by the barest of margins, but it has certainly given Ireland and their army of fans down under, plenty to get behind as the tournament progresses.

With other results falling kindly for Ireland too, they are firmly in the mix for qualification for the knockout stages in Group B, but they also will be aware that they are towing a fine line following their opening game defeat.

Irish Pride
In the cut and thrust of tournament football, there is very little time for reflection and recognition, but Ireland need to draw strength from their superb performance against Australia in the opening game.

Losing 1-0, is frustrating – even more so when it was a soft penalty that proved to be the difference between the sides but Ireland more than matched the Matildas in every department and there was a sense that the debutants were growing on the world stage as the match progressed.

Manager Vera Pauw is an experienced campaigner, and she will need to call upon all of that knowhow to get the best out of her players as the group progresses.

At home at the World Cup
Inevitably, a key question heading into any tournament is how key players will perform and to a player, all of the Irish squad demonstrated their quality at World Cup level.

Led by the instrumental Katie McCabe, who used all of her experience at club level with Arsenal to put in a superb performance.

With stellar contributions too from the likes of Louise Quinn and Denise O'Sullivan, there were plenty of Irish players who stood up on the biggest stage and they will be keen to continue that form as the tournament plays out.

Group B there for the taking
When the FIFA Women’s World Cup groups were formed, all eyes in Group B gravitated towards the pairing of Australia and Canada. With hosts Australia an emerging footballing nation and Canada an established one, it seemed that both would breeze through the group.

However, Australia only just edged past Ireland and Canada were held to a 0-0 draw by Nigeria – leaving Ireland firmly in the mix when it comes to qualification.

The defining match takes place next, as Ireland take on Canada in Perth – knowing that a win would put them firmly in pole position to qualify, whilst a loss would end their campaign.

Whilst there is plenty at stake in Group B, this current group of Irish players have set the standard for generations to come and in breaking new ground by qualifying for the World Cup, have sculpted the landscape for women’s football in Ireland moving forward.

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