The 2023 World Cup highlighted the significant technical development in the women's game, according to Republic of Ireland international Megan Campbell.
Spain secured World Cup glory for the first time with a 1-0 win over England in front of 75,784 fans at Stadium Australia on Sunday.
It brought the curtain down on the most-watched women’s World Cup, and Campbell says the style of play witnessed throughout and demonstrated in the decider by the two best sides, shows that the game is rapidly moving in the right direction.
Whereas in previous years, fitness and pace was enough to swing many games - "teams would die off" – it is clear now that teams must be more rounded to succeed.
"With teams becoming more technical now, it shows the development from a younger age," she told the RTÉ Women's World Cup podcast.
"That progress is now making teams better, more tactically aware, producing technically better players.
"Sarina Weigman, the England manager, has got herself to four major tournament finals, and it’s not by the luck of the draw. She is a very, very good manager and knows her teams inside out in terms of the technical aspects, strengths and weaknesses and how to get at opponents.
"That is something we haven’t seen a lot in the women’s game."
With a huge build-up to Ireland’s first ever World Cup finals campaign, the group stage exit for Vera Pauw’s side was a natural disappointment, but it is hoped the feel-good factor around women’s soccer in Ireland will have a knock-on effect in both participation and support.
Campbell acknowledged there needs to be better structures in place, but pointed out that the Emerging Talent Programme (ETP) is having an effect.
"I know there has been a lot of funding from the FAI towards the ETP," she said.
"There is so much talent in Ireland and they have been overlooked because they are not playing at a professional level and are not being exposed to the biggest games.
"When they come up to international level, it’s a massive step up. In order for players to feel like they can make the national team, they think they have to go abroad, and that’s really sad.
"We have such a big pool of talent."
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