The Republic of Ireland huddle up for a team talk. Photo credit: Ireland Football via Twitter.
Ireland Women’s National Team kick off their first ever major tournament in Sydney, Australia on July 20th. Ireland were drawn in Group B, a potential ‘ Group of Death’, alongside Australia, Canada and Nigeria.
The Squad 🇮🇪#COYGIG | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/EgnwxQD9RX
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 30, 2023
Here is a short guide to Irelands World Cup Group:
GAME 1 – Australia – July 20th 11am BST
There are few tougher matches Ireland could’ve come up against for an opener. It will be difficult to beat the home nation who are ranked number 10 in the world.
Australias squad is full of depth, with many stars of the women game such as Ellie Carpenter of Lyon, who was recently named in the Division 1 Féminine team of the season, and Caitlin Foord, who plays with Katie McCabe at Arsenal. However, the Matildas hopes will be resting mainly on captain Sam Kerrs shoulders. The striker ranked 3rd in the Guardians top 100 female footballer rankings, at the end of 2022 and is the highest rated female player on FIFA 23. Kerr has been pivotal in Chelsea winning the WSL for the past 4 years.
If Ireland are to beat the Matildas, it will be vital to keep the striker quiet.
GAME 2 – Canada – July 26th 1pm BST
Irelands second game is against Tokyo 2020 champions, Canada, who are ranked 7th in the world.
Recent headlines surrounding the Canadian team, have revolved around their fight for equal pay, and they have lost 4 of their last 5 games.
However, Canadas squad is full of players from multiple leagues, such as Jessie Fleming of Chelsea. The Canadians will be relying on the experience of Christine Sinclair, who has played in the last 5 World Cup tournaments, and has scored 190 goals in 323 caps for her country.
Canada have been struck with some injuries though. There are injury concerns about strikers Deanne Rose and Nichelle Prince, while Janine Beckie was ruled out earlier this year after suffering a devastating ACL injury.
Getting used to it down here 👏#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/KiOKjeYJQj
— CAN Soccer’s WNT (@CANWNT) July 4, 2023
GAME 3 – Nigeria – July 31st 11am BST
Irelands final group game is against Nigeria, ranked 40 in the world. The ‘ Super Falcons’ have qualified for every Women’s World Cup tournament.
Nigeria were knocked out of the Round-of 16 stage of the 2019 World Cup, after a 3-0 defeat to Germany.
However, confidence is high within the camp, after victories against New Zealand and Haiti in their April Camp.
Nigerias player to watch is Asisat Oshoala, of Barcelona. Oshoala has won 5 African Footballer of the Year awards, and is often regarded as the greatest ever African Female player.
If Ireland are to progress out of their group, they will likely need a win against this tricky Nigerian side.
We are off 🛫 to 🇦🇺🇳🇿 for the @FIFAWWC
We desire your good wishes🙏❤️#SoarSuperFalcons #FIFAWWC2023 #TeamNigeria pic.twitter.com/u9hGU8FqiX
— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) July 2, 2023
All four teams will be confident they can progress to the Round-of 16, with only the top two from the group progressing. All eyes are now on July 20th.
To read more Women’s World Cup related articles, click here.
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