Denise O'Sullivan has promised the Republic of Ireland will pick themselves up off the canvas to deliver a performance for the fans in their final World Cup group game against Nigeria on Monday.
A 2-1 loss to Canada in Perth last Wednesday means the Girls in Green cannot make the last 16.
O'Sullivan, brilliant again in the middle of the park, admitted the defeat had devastated the players, but the experience of the last two weeks has also fed their desire to get back on the big stage.
Ireland kick off their first ever UEFA Women's Nations League cmpaign against Northern Ireland at the Avvia Stadium in September, with qualification for Euros due to start next February.
Lots to look forward, plenty to build on, but first Ireland must face a strong Nigerian side, who blew Group B wide open with a stunning win over Australia on Thursday.
"It's heartbreaking to be going home," said O'Sullivan. "We thought we were going to do it after Katie’s goal went in. Unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be. We’re really disappointed but we’ve another game to go and will look to win that.
"We’ll regroup. The feeling of disappointment will linger for a few days but we’ll rally around each other to lift the spirits.
"The fans were fantastic and we’ll try to win against Nigeria for them as well. The goal in every single game was to win and we've another chance on Monday.
"This is a fantastic squad that gives 100% and the talent is there. We’ve got a taste of tournament football now and want to come back for sure."
"I still feel hugely proud at being here representing our country."
O'Sullivan has had a wild fortnight. There was national panic when she was clattered in a behind-closed-doors game against Colombia, her shin coming under the sort of scrutiny David Beckham's metatarsal endured ahead of the World Cup 2002.
She recovered to shine against Australia and the Canadians - two losses, but no regrets from the Cork woman's point of view.
"It's been class," she said. "For us, this is the start of the journey because we showed that we belong at this level. That gives us real confidence for future campaigns but I’m gutted that we’re not going further in the tournament.
"[My heart] feels empty right now because we're going out of the tournament. Yet I still feel hugely proud at being here representing our country. That feeling of putting on a green shirt is one I can’t describe. I’m sad to be going on.
"I'd been dreaming of this opportunity for a long time, It came around so quickly and I’ve tried to take in every moment with this team.
"This is a special squad and hopefully we have more experiences."
Marissa Sheva echoed O'Sullivan's sentiments in her post-game assessment. Sheva, a second-half substitute against Canada, made her Ireland debut in February and has been a Vera Pauw favourite ever since.
Ireland may have no skin in the game in terms of escaping from the group, but they will be aiming to make a little bit more history by earning the country a first win at a Women's World Cup.
"We're gonna treat it just like we treated the last two games regardless of the fact that we're now out," stressed Sheva.
"For the girls, for the fans. I mean, the atmosphere [in Perth] was incredible. It felt like a home game. And, I mean, I had goosebumps the entire time.
"You could see that it even rattled some of the Canadian players right before the anthems when it felt like we were at home. And so for the fans, for the girls, for, you know, the players that didn't make the trip to Australia, for everyone back home in Ireland, we will be fighting for a win against Nigeria."
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