Republic of Ireland Captain Katie McCabe Forced Off with Ankle Injury in 3-0 Defeat by France
The Republic of Ireland Women’s team suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of France in their first ever World Cup match at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. The match was overshadowed by allegations against manager Vera Pauw from her time as Houston Dash manager, but the focus quickly shifted to the injury of Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe, who was forced off with an ankle injury in the 31st minute.
McCabe Injury Causes Concern Ahead of World Cup Opener
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe was forced off with an ankle injury in the 31st minute of Thursday’s 3-0 defeat by France at Tallaght Stadium. McCabe initially continued after rolling her ankle but was substituted as a precaution. The Republic’s first-ever World Cup match – with co-hosts Australia in Sydney – is 14 days away, on 20 July, and there will be a nervous wait over the fitness of Arsenal’s McCabe.
France Take Control After McCabe Injury
Under Herve Renard, who masterminded Saudi Arabia’s shock win over Argentina in the men’s World Cup last year, France were comfortable holding possession in the early stages as both sides sussed each other out. Kyra Carusa thought she had made the breakthrough when she darted on to Sinead Farrelly’s flick on but the offside flag was raised before she slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
Maelle Lakrar and Eugenie le Sommer Score for France
France took the lead in the 41st minute when Lakrar broke into the area and played a low ball across goal, but Heather Payne’s misjudged clearance rebounded to the right-back, who managed to squeeze the ball through the legs of Courtney Brosnan. Two minutes later, Lyon forward Le Sommer made it two with a fine sweeping finish into the top corner after France cut the home defence open. Set pieces, so often Ireland’s strength, were their undoing as the unmarked Lakrar headed home a third from Kenza Dali’s corner in the 61st minute.
Republic of Ireland Prepare for Friendly Match with Colombia
The Republic will play Colombia in a behind-closed-doors friendly on 14 July ahead of their opener with Australia six days later and there will be a nervous wait over the fitness of Arsenal’s McCabe. The match lost a lot of its zip with McCabe’s departure, although France almost broke the deadlock towards the end of the half when Kadidiatou Diani fired into the side netting after breaking into the area.
Louise Quinn needed to pull of a goal-saving tackle on Grace Geyoro after the midfielder found her way through the ever-growing gaps in the green defence. Clara Mateo slid an effort wide as the French came again and returning captain Wendie Renard headed into the gloves of Brosnan as the visitors eased to victory.
Conclusion
The Republic of Ireland Women’s team suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of France in their first ever World Cup match at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. The match was overshadowed by allegations against manager Vera Pauw from her time as Houston Dash manager, but the focus quickly shifted to the injury of Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe, who was forced off with an ankle injury in the 31st minute. The Republic will play Colombia in a behind-closed-doors friendly on 14 July ahead of their opener with Australia six days later and there will be a nervous wait over the fitness of Arsenal’s McCabe.