For anyone who supports the Republic of Ireland soccer senior teams, disappointment has been a core theme. The senior men’s side have struggled in their qualification campaign. Their elimination from the World Cup to be sealed before their home game against Portugal one presumes.
It is nice then that the Republic of Ireland women’s senior side secured Nations League promotion against Belgium last week. It was a major win for the side. It also allows Carla Ward to continue to build heading into the upcoming World Cup qualification campaign.
This Belgian win should not be underestimated. Belgium in their Nations League campaign had beaten England (home) and Portugal (away). Belgium are twenty ranked in the FIFA standings. For the Republic of Ireland who are twenty-seven in the standings is a result to take note.
The opening leg performance against Belgium setup this playoff fixture victory. Katie McCabe was sensational with her goals and attacking threat but the team asked Belgium defensive questions throughout. The goal concessions were disappointing but four goals at the Aviva Stadium was standout.
The second leg was resiliency in abundance. After a cagey opening twenty minutes, Belgium threatened to take control of the tie. Wullaert’s brace exposing Ireland defensive shape to level the tie. Carla Ward to her credit reacted. Patten’s introduction nullifed Wullaert in the second half.
Ireland played more on the front foot and started to reassert the tempo and flow seen in the opening leg. Chances created before Abbie Larkin’s late goal secured the goal to win the tie. A vastly improved performance from the side in the second half.
In a period of transition and injuries, Republic of Ireland secure Nations League. They were the only team from Group B playoff teams to secure promotion. All other teams vanquished with heavy losses over the two legs.
Consider the defensive players who were either retired or not in action due to injury. There were clear defensive issues but the players found a way of adapting. Carla Ward will be keen to find more depth chart in the goalkeeper position in particular. Anna Patten and Aoife Mannion are key defensive personnel moving on.
The central midfield depth chart is an area of focus long-term. Ruesha Littlejohn owes nothing to the jersey but there needs to be succession in that holding defensive midfield role. Is Melisa Filis that player? The defensive and midfield flanks do look strong.
The striker depth chart sees Kyra Carusa leading the line. Emily Murphy has been the success story of the Nations League for the side with her flank play. Saoirse Noonan is able deputy to Carusa which then raises questions where does Amber Barrett or Leanne Kiernan fit in? Kelly Brady is a massive talent who is also looking to make an impact.
Carla Ward and management team can’t sit on their laurels. It was nice to secure promotion and know that a World Cup playoff berth is already secured. The World Cup qualification will be tough and the entire squad need to evolve further. Lessons learned certainly from the Slovenian fixtures but the side should look with confidence to the upcoming fixtures.
A good news story at last for the FAI. This comes after another year of football disappointment for the senior men’s side. There was also organizational chaos. Carla Ward will be anxious to focus more on the football side than administrative moving ahead.