The stakes were high for the Republic of Ireland in their second group game against Canada in Perth, and while we ran the Olympic champions - and Australia before them - close, ultimately the Girls in Green are exiting the World Cup after the group stages.
It was a big achievement to qualify for the competition. Another landmark was reached in the game against Canada when Katie's corner led to a goal - the first for Ireland ever at a major tournament.
When the girls look back on this time they will hopefully have a feeling of pride rather than disappointment, which they may be feeling right now. Yes, as players we have the highest standards and anything less than victory can be hard to mentally process.
Being at the pinnacle of the sport, the external pressure and expectations can also play a part in this. However, those expectations are not in any way a part of the nation's thoughts.
The country is so proud of what they have seen from the girls thus far. We knew a result was needed against a Canadian side who also needed a win to improve their chances of progressing. Ultimately the result wasn’t what we had all hoped for, or that they deserved, but nonetheless we will carry even more learnings from this game into our final group game against Nigeria tomorrow.
On the other side of the group, Australia were beaten by Nigeria in Brisbane a day later. A result few would have predicted but with Australia still missing their key player in Sam Kerr, and a back-up in shape of Mary Fowler, it wasn’t pretty viewing for the Aussies. A shock but deserved Nigeria 3-2 win leaves the group wide open going into the final games.
Aside from Ireland, the other three teams in group B can still move on to the round of 16 with a result in their last fixture. So Ireland, although out, could still yet have a massive influence on this group and competition.
A win for Ireland could see both Australia and Canada progress. With the Aussie-Irish connection a lot of people will be praying the result ends positively for both. Although that may still not be enough for Australia, who will need a win unless Ireland beat Nigeria by two goals or more.
A win or draw for Nigeria against Ireland would guarantee their progression to the round of 16.
Canada, after beating Ireland, currently sit on four points and second on goal difference. At least a point in their game against Australia would also see them progress. It sure makes for great viewing for neutral fans.
It shows the gap between nations getting smaller. It shows competition football can bring the best out of teams others wouldn’t have previously considered.
And it shows how truly tough a group Ireland were placed into. Two teams inside the top 10 in the world. Nigeria's world ranking of 40 clearly is not a true reflection of the quality that they possess after their performances so far this competition and previous finals too.
A qualification for a major tournament achieved. Our first ever goal scored on the biggest stage achieved by our captain and leader Katie McCabe. A positive result is one that I know the team will be hoping for next in order to continue building in competitions to come.
A new goal to set their sights on when European football begins again in September, one month after the conclusion of this World Cup.
Regardless of the outcome in tomorrow's match, Ireland will be coming home to a nation of people empowered by what they’ve seen the girls achieve and inspired for generations to come.
Watch Republic of Ireland v Nigeria in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player on Monday from 10am (kick-off 11am), follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on 2fm
