The Republic of Ireland’s World Cup Send-Off: Optimism Despite Stormy Weather
The Republic of Ireland entered Thursday’s World Cup send-off game with France under a grey cloud, with fresh allegations of abuse against manager Vera Pauw dominating the build-up. However, despite more storms during the 90 minutes, there was still a ray of optimism come the end of play.
The Republic Matched a Top-Five Team
On the pitch, it started well. The Republic matched a side ranked fifth in the world until the next bump in the road when influential captain Katie McCabe was forced off after rolling her ankle. The FAI said it was a precaution but Pauw would not judge the severity of the injury. An entire nation will hold its breath.
France Showed Their Class and Clinical Edge
As the rain came, literally, France then showed their class and clinical edge as Maelle Lakrar and Eugenie La Sommer netted right at the end of the half after errors. Lakrar was then left with all the time and space she wanted to head home a third to dampen the spirits of a record crowd at Tallaght Stadium, but they weren’t quite extinguished.
Player Frustrations Understandable
After a tense pre-match press conference, where Pauw and McCabe were pounded with questions about the report, it ended with the captain remarking: “It’s been a pleasure talking about the World Cup, guys. Really appreciate it”. Given the serious nature of the allegations, those questions had to be asked. On the other hand, you can completely understand the frustrations of the players.
The allegations have nothing to do with the Irish squad but they are caught up in the storm, which was initially brought up in December. This is their biggest moment of the careers, and for many of them there have been years of heartbreak and disappointment before that ultimate moment of joy and success.
Pauw Has Contract Negotiations with FAI Later in Summer
The story is far from over in one sense as Pauw has contract negotiations with the FAI later in the summer, which have been put on the backburner for the World Cup, and the Dutchwoman has hinted at taking legal action for those trying to “destroy my career”. They will likely travel with Pauw to Australia, and she has even admitted they may follow her for the rest of her life. But the 60-year-old says she has parked it as they prepare to step onto the plane Down Under.
Electric Feel from Home Support
Despite all of the above, there was still an air of hope around the Dublin stadium. Kyra Carusa, who had a goal controversially ruled out for offside in the first half, remarked: “We put a team who are so used to being comfortable on the ball and having control, we made them feel like they weren’t in control.” With a record crowd weathering to rain to see the Republic off to Australia, Carusa adds the home support has given the team an extra lift as they prepare to depart for the World Cup.
Full Focus on World Cup
Now, despite all the external noise, full focus has to be on the World Cup – a stage the players have worked to hard to get to. It’s all starting to sink in. The Republic of Ireland have shown they can match a top-five team in the world and have an electric home support behind them as they head off to Australia for their first ever World Cup. Despite all the stormy weather, there is still plenty of optimism for what lies ahead.