A defining game for Ireland. Today sees a massive game for the team with a result needed to keep the World Cup dream alive.
A lot of travel and recovery to contend with, Ireland will be hoping to be ready and fighting fit coming up against a tough Canadian side, looking to put right their wrongs - primarily the lack of goals they had against Nigeria in their opening game.
Louise Quinn will be a massive loss for Ireland if not deemed fit for this one. MD-1 was the first time since the Australia game that Louise trained with a ball at her feet. She had to prove her fitness to be in with a chance of playing today and I speak for everyone when I say we hope, for her sake and Ireland's, that test was passed.
For Ireland it will be difficult to lose an experienced figure like hers. Known for being the pillar at the back. A player whose body is constantly being pushed to the limit for her country. Lou isn't just an out and out defender. She is a massive aerial threat for the team on setpieces and we would miss her commanding presence.
A consistent starting XI is important for the team. If all are fit I don’t see a change to the line-up. However if a new defender is needed in place of Louise? Well it could be a few. Diane Caldwell is the next closest player to 100 caps for Ireland and has been in the setup up through it all.
With her experience playing all over the world and her quality on the pitch she’s sure to have a shout at being the player to step into the role with no fear, and she possesses the ability to help keep Christine Sinclair quiet.
Another name we could see is Claire O’Riordan. A great performance against Zambia in a 3-2 win at Tallaght Stadium, along with a great headed goal, will give encouragement to the staff that we have the players that can step in and do a good job. Regardless of who plays, the team will be as prepared as possible to perform the tasks required of them to get the result needed.
In attack, we will hopefully be more free to play today. A nervous first half against Australia meant a quiet forward line for Ireland, with a threat yes, but not as evident as previous games. The occasion of playing at our first ever World Cup on the biggest stage no doubt played a factor.
However a big second half performance after the penalty should be enough to prove to the girls they belong. A team that has been prepared relentlessly for these moments, they will be sure to have put those nerves behind them.
The Olympic champions will be a team raring to put right a stalemate with Nigeria. An underwhelming performance by their standards means that their hunger for three points today will be obvious. Ireland will have to be tactically switched on from minute one as world class players like Jessie Fleming, Ashley Lawrence and Sinclair (the greatest international goal scorer in history) will no doubt be starting.
While Canada possess a potent and experienced attacking threat, an area which we can definitely exploit is their defence. Hopefully our press begins a little higher and as units we are more closely connected to Kyra Carusa from the off.
This Ireland team possess so much quality. Quality that throughout the Australian game, but particularly in the last 20 minutes, we got to see. The confidence the players should take from that should be enough to see it break through on to the pitch from the start in Perth.
A point and Ireland are still in Group B with a possibility of getting the runners up spot. A win and we'd be in an even better position to progress
Nullifying their threat will be hard, but Ireland's physical presence, resilient defending and attacking threat of pace and quality going forward on the counter will surely create an even playing field.
A game where both nations will be eager to to take an early lead to assert confidence and calmness about their play. A point and Ireland are still in Group B with a possibility of getting the runners up spot. A win and we’d be in an even better position to progress.
Although again the underdog we are well accustomed and love the title. The underdog is one who silently goes about their business. Consistently looking for areas to improve and learn, ready for challenges that lie in their way, and fearlessly overcoming all of them!
This team is ready. I know the country are ready to get behind the girls again and are very proud of what they have and are achieving. From what I’ve heard Perth will be a sea of green. A second home? A support that just might help the girls feel right at home.
For our country we go above and beyond always. Today is no different to any other. Another game. Another chance to show the world what being Irish means to us and the nation. Another day to inspire the next generation. Another game to continue to change and challenge the narrative.
Come on you Girls In Green!
Watch Republic of Ireland v Canada in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Wednesday at 1pm, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on 2fm
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