Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward has defended the decision to play Hungary in a behind-closed-doors friendly in Marbella.
Goals from Abbie Larkin, Kyra Carusa and Denise O'Sullivan secured a 3-2 victory as Ireland used the outing as preparation for their quest to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
France, Netherlands and Poland will provide stern challenges in next year's qualifiers and Ward used this week’s training camp, rounded off with a runout against 47th in the world Hungary, with an eye to those competitive games.
The head coach insisted in the build-up that she was using it as an opportunity to make tactical tweaks and personnel changes away from prying eyes.
Caps were awarded for a game where fans were not allowed attend and there was no television coverage.
"We need to try things," Ward said when asked about the merits of a behind-closed-doors friendly.
"Why do we want to give France a 1% on how we might press a back four? We just don't. It doesn't make any sense.
"If we've got an opportunity coming up against one of the best teams in world football to give ourselves an extra 1%, where they don't have that preparation of us in our system against a four, why wouldn't we do it?"
Debutant Sophie Whitehouse played the full 90 minutes between the sticks at Marbella Football Centre and lamented that family and friends were not present to mark the occasion.
"A little bit disappointing that it’s behind closed doors but they (family) are happy I got the chance," she said.
She pulled off one outstanding save in the first half - the rebound falling kindly to Borbala Vincze to score - while she could do little with Hungary's second goal in the closing moments.
The shot-stopper has been instrumental in table-topping Charlton Athletic's WSL2 charge but has had to bide her time in the Irish set-up.
"Obviously a really proud moment for me and my family and a little disappointed with the two goals, but it’s just good we got the win and really, really happy and proud.
"It’s been a long time coming but obviously we have such a tight-knit goalkeeper union. Obviously I’m there to support and when my time comes I’m happy to take the chance."
Playing in a 3-5-2 formation, Ireland were two goals up with less than 20 minutes on the clock, but Ward’s main objective – with tough qualifying challenges in store – was to see how effectively her side could press a back four.
"The first half was okay, the second half was much better," she said.
"When we got it right, we really got it right. There were a couple of moments when we didn’t and we addressed that at half-time.
"I was so much happier with the second half from an all-speed point of view because we're going to have to move the ball so quickly against the likes of France, Poland and the Netherlands."
Ward praised Whitehouse on her maiden showing and also acknowledged the return of Tara O’Hanlon.
Her introduction in the final 10 minutes for captain Katie McCabe was a significant staging post after such a significant time on the sidelines.
"She's somebody with a lot of potential and somebody that if you look in the next few tournaments, I think she's going to be important in the development of Irish football.
"It’s so good to get her out there for 10 minutes or so and that will put her in a good position."
