2023 FIFA Women's World Cup

[geysir]

By accounts Sweden totally dominated the game and in 3 games this campaign I have seen absolutely no hint that Ireland can match the top 10 teams. Should Ireland overcome 2nd tier Finland, that in itself will be cause for great celebration and set up a realistic target to get to the 2nd play off round. Of course that depends on the draw.

[jbyrne]

tuned in to watch and was delighted with the draw. I had expected a 2 or 3 nil loss.
22% possession says a lot though. we just kept aimlessly kicking the ball away and hardly strung more than 2 passes together. it was very frustrating at times given there were sometimes very good options for a better out ball but it seemed the plan was to just kick it anywhere.
I think the main difference between this team and what's gone over the last few years is the quality of the goalkeeper who had a very good game. one save onto the crossbar in the 2nd half was outstanding.

[TonyD]

tuned in to watch and was delighted with the draw. I had expected a 2 or 3 nil loss.
22% possession says a lot though. we just kept aimlessly kicking the ball away and hardly strung more than 2 passes together. it was very frustrating at times given there were sometimes very good options for a better out ball but it seemed the plan was to just kick it anywhere.
I think the main difference between this team and what's gone over the last few years is the quality of the goalkeeper who had a very good game. one save onto the crossbar in the 2nd half was outstanding.

Would agree with this. I only saw the second half, but Sweden owned the ball, while panic seemed to set in every time it came to an Irish player. There seemed to be no thought at all to look for a pass, just punt it as far away from you as you can. I get that Sweden are at a different level, and a draw is a creditable result no doubt, but to call it a great performance ? Maybe defensively.

[nigel-harps1954]

Agree with previous two posts. For what it was, it was a superb defensive performance, and Brosnan was an easy player of the match, even if RTÉ gave it to Katie McCabe for her goal.

Sweden dominated possession, were comfortable on the ball, and were clearly a step above in terms of quality, but Ireland dealt with them very well at the back.

Huge slice of luck for the Ireland goal, but also a fair bit of luck at the other end with some poor finishing from the Swedes.

All that being said, it's still a phenomenal result, and credit to the team for it. They done exactly what was required of them and put themselves into a great position with both Sweden games over and done with now.

[Insidetherock]

Talking about the Swedish dominance is being a little churlish in my opinion.. consider how the mens team would match up to Brazil, Belgium (the real one), France etc.. the ladies are still 30th in the world, and there is definitely a bigger jump between 1st and 30th in the ladies game compared to the mens

But yesterday is about progression.. it's about not getting hockeyed 4-5 nil as they would have in the past. It's about growing the game in the eyes of the public and showing young female players there is a pathway to a profession through football. And maybe if not a full time profession, maybe a full time college education in the US or UK, via football.

You're seeing some of the best female GAA footballing talent going to Australia increasingly, as the WAFL is offering professional sport.. eventually if football offers a path for young girls, more and more will take that too.

I said this yesterday, if you looked at the Irish squad, more and more of them are now playing at high level in England in the WSL or at a high level in the States in college football (which is probably even stronger than the WSL to be honest).. the English team has improved in leaps and bounds because of this and their greater pick, but we'll eventually get closer as more and more Irish girls get a chance to be practically full time ballers

The Swedes and Germans.. they're already there

[nigel-harps1954]

I don't think anyone disagrees with any of that Insidetherock, just merely observing yesterday's game as it panned out. Nothing particularly churlish about it.

It's a massive credit to the Irish side, that they were able to take on one of the best sides in the world, and to take points off them for the first time in their group campaign. It got great coverage, great press afterwards, and it can only do well for the game here.

[Insidetherock]

I don't think anyone disagrees with any of that Insidetherock, just merely observing yesterday's game as it panned out. Nothing particularly churlish about it.

It's a massive credit to the Irish side, that they were able to take on one of the best sides in the world, and to take points off them for the first time in their group campaign. It got great coverage, great press afterwards, and it can only do well for the game here.

Hopefully... I do feel kind of protective of the womens/girls game... I genuinely think we could compete with the best if given the chance

The other thing I wonder though.. is how far the FAI might go to recruit Irish Americans to the team. The level at the higher end of college football in the US in the womens game, is phenomenal. An American collegiate champions team visited us on a pre season trip a few years back (the coach hailed from the town so he brought them over) and watching them training was jaw dropping.

They'd played a few friendlies in the UK during the trip and absolutely hammered two WSL teams .. at the time they were trying to line up the national womens team for a fiendly

Might be a top class Irish Americans (or three) still out there that could make a big difference

[ltfc_2004]

Interesting point on 2nd Gen/3rd Gen Irish Americans, could it be worthwhile for the FAI to organise a summer tour/ training camps in the US and see if the Irish diaspora tree throws up a few options. It can only strengthen the Irish team.

[tetsujin1979]

Squad announced for a friendly against the Philippines before a qualifier against Georgia.
Given Georgia have yet to score in their six games, and have a goal difference of -41, I'm expecting a win.
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[tetsujin1979]

Won nine nil tonight to overtake Finland in second.
All comes down to the final qualifier against Finland at home in August.

[Insidetherock]

Won nine nil tonight to overtake Finland in second.
All comes down to the final qualifier against Finland at home in August.

Nope, even if they lose against Finland, a win in the final game against Slovakia away would likely be enough if Sweden beat Finland in their final game

But a win/draw v Finland would most likely be enough to seal the play off spot

[tetsujin1979]

Final home qualifier against Finland live on RTE
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[Insidetherock]

Poor start.. very nervy, but starting to grow into it

Megan Campbell has some serious throw on her.. Rory Delap would be proud of it

[tetsujin1979]

Agg coming on has improved the play in midfield. O'Sullivan with Ireland's best chance so far with a close range header.
Might not be a coincidence she's playing regularly in the states at the moment, some of the rest of the team aren't back playing yet

[tetsujin1979]

Ireland score, Agg given acres of space in the box for a free header from a set piece

[Insidetherock]

Very poor tonight and maybe the lack of games is the issue.. I'll take a scrappy 1-0 all night though

[pineapple stu]

Ireland score, Agg given acres of space in the box for a free header from a set piece
Shocking goalkeeping. Keeper came out, made no attempt the get the ball, and then clattered into Agg after she'd headed it

[passinginterest]

Great scenes after the result. Very emotional and a huge step for women’s football in Ireland. Delighted for them.

[geysir]

The football was suspect but the game hit the Richter scale of enjoyment.
Although the post game celebrations were brilliant, there's still a hell of a lot of football to play in order to qualify. Contrary to the pundits' optimism, it's 99.99% sure that Ireland will be in the play off 1st round.
Even if Ireland won both play off rounds, they would in all probability still have to compete in the inter-federation play offs down under, in order to qualify (3 from 10 teams) for the finals.

edit, I'm just saying that in case Paul doesn't turn up to reply in this thread

[Insidetherock]

It's a messed up play off process all right, but they're in it, so they've a shot. Might even be a tournament too soon, but have to target the next Euros big time.. huge loss not making the one in England

But there's great work being done at underage.. would love to see both men and women's teams at the top table in European football for the next decade

My new Arsenal Jersey us arriving tomorrow/Saturday, and on the back of it.. Mc Cabe 15.. best Irish Gunner since Chippy

[Nesta99]

Shocking goalkeeping. Keeper came out, made no attempt the get the ball, and then clattered into Agg after she'd headed it

She made a mess in the away game and gifted the 2nd Irish goal too iirc and it has really cost them. Doesnt matter how good a performance is if a keeper is just a calamity away from undoing it all (Ive developed an intolerance for such keepers in recent years). The most impressive part of this Irish sides development is their resilience and mental strength to stay in games, dig in if needed but not afraid to go at higher ranked sides either, they always create something. Still a tough road ahead but when there is obvious and regular improvements as we've seen its only a matter of time before a major finals!

[samhaydenjr]

The football was suspect but the game hit the Richter scale of enjoyment.
Although the post game celebrations were brilliant, there's still a hell of a lot of football to play in order to qualify. Contrary to the pundits' optimism, it's 99.99% sure that Ireland will be in the play off 1st round.
Even if Ireland won both play off rounds, they would in all probability still have to compete in the inter-federation play offs down under, in order to qualify (3 from 10 teams) for the finals.

edit, I'm just saying that in case Paul doesn't turn up to reply in this thread

While it is more likely than not that we'll be in the first round, I think it's far from 99.99%. By my reckoning, we qualify direct for the second round if we beat Slovakia and three of the following scenarios occur:
1. Belgium lose at home to Norway, having lost to them 4-0 away
2. Belgium beat Norway by at least 4 goals, who then fail to beat Albania
3. Iceland fail to win either of their remaining games against The Netherlands and Belarus
4. Iceland beat The Netherlands and we beat Slovakia by a combined total of at least six goals
5. Switzerland fail to beat Croatia
6. Austria lose to England
7. Serbia don't win both of their games against Portugal and Israel

I think Options 1,6 and 7 are each definite possibilities

[Insidetherock]

According to this article.. and he'll knows how they figured it out.. Ireland can by pass the play off semi final round if they win away in Slovakia, and the following three results go their way


Friday

Group F

Belgium v Norway (7.30pm) – Ireland need Norway to win or draw.

If Belgium claim a point, they will be ahead of Ireland by three on goal difference, making Tuesday’s mission a goal fest.

Group H

Serbia v Portugal (7pm) – Ireland need Portugal to draw or win.

Saturday

Group D

Austria v England (4.30pm) – Ireland need England to win.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40953329.html

[Insidetherock]

Right now...

Norway are level with Belguim.. so that's good

Portugal lead Serbia 2-1

If the Examiner are correct, and results stay the same.. we'll all be cheering for the Lionesses again tomorrow afternoon

[pixiehead]

Big goal Norway. Right now, England and Ireland wins would leave us 3rd in 2nd place teams.

Edit, good chance now.
https://i.ibb.co/rwv5411/IMG-20220902-212530.jpg

[tetsujin1979]

Finishes 1-0 to Norway, and 2-1 to Portugal

[Insidetherock]

Wonder if they play offs are seeded too..home draw on a final play off would be huge

[Insidetherock]

England currently two up in Austria.. looks like a win in Slovakia will put the women into the top 3

[Insidetherock]

The best explanation of the play offs, and possible intercontinental play off I've seen so far..

A win Tuesday is absolutely vital.

No mention of whether the seeded play off teams (top three) will have home advantage in the play off, but they probably will, so that'd be a huge night in Tallaght

https://m.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/major-world-cup-play-off-boost-for-ireland-thanks-to-england-victory-41959278.html

[samhaydenjr]

While it is more likely than not that we'll be in the first round, I think it's far from 99.99%. By my reckoning, we qualify direct for the second round if we beat Slovakia and three of the following scenarios occur:
1. Belgium lose at home to Norway, having lost to them 4-0 away
2. Belgium beat Norway by at least 4 goals, who then fail to beat Albania
3. Iceland fail to win either of their remaining games against The Netherlands and Belarus
4. Iceland beat The Netherlands and we beat Slovakia by a combined total of at least six goals
5. Switzerland fail to beat Croatia
6. Austria lose to England
7. Serbia don't win both of their games against Portugal and Israel

I think Options 1,6 and 7 are each definite possibilities

Nailed it!;)

[Insidetherock]

Nailed it!;)

Brilliant work 👏

[tetsujin1979]

Just reading about the final play off round before the World Cup next year. Could they make it any more complicated?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_FIFA_Women%27s_World_Cup_qualification_(inter-confederation_play-offs)

[Insidetherock]

Just reading about the final play off round before the World Cup next year. Could they make it any more complicated?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_FIFA_Women%27s_World_Cup_qualification_(inter-confederation_play-offs)

Tis fairly mental all right.. and still no word yet on whether the UEFA play offs will be seeded, or how they will allocate venues for the play offs.

Though, I expect both, which would likely mean that the three seeded teams that go straight to the play off final, will get home venue advantage in the play offs

No matter what however, it's imperative that Ireland win today. If they do, and get one of the three allocated seedings, they'll be one or maximum two games away from the finals.

Even if they were go win their play off and end up down in NZ, they'd be the highest seeded team at the play offs and be in Group A, waiting on a second play off final

Really want them to get there.

They've brought in Aoibhean Clancy from Wexford Youths.. I remember her playing with a tiny girls club down here in Tipp when she started out.. great player

[Insidetherock]

Just read the UEFA site now.. no seedings in the play off semis.. and no seedings in the second round draw either.. you could get very lucky.. or get a crap draw ;(

[third policeman]

Been reading the thread and following the games, and this may be a bit of a controversial observation, but I notice there is a tendency to refer to the Girls in Green as "them," "their prospects," "they have a good chance" etc etc, whilst the men's team are referenced in the first person "us" ""our prospects" etc. Does this imply a tiny bit of sexism? (reaching for my tin hat as I speak)

[Insidetherock]

Been reading the thread and following the games, and this may be a bit of a controversial observation, but I notice there is a tendency to refer to the Girls in Green as "them," "their prospects," "they have a good chance" etc etc, whilst the men's team are referenced in the first person "us" ""our prospects" etc. Does this imply a tiny bit of sexism? (reaching for my tin hat as I speak)

We could go down a pronoun rabbit hole here very easily :)

They.. are our girls..

[Diggs246]

Been reading the thread and following the games, and this may be a bit of a controversial observation, but I notice there is a tendency to refer to the Girls in Green as "them," "their prospects," "they have a good chance" etc etc, whilst the men's team are referenced in the first person "us" ""our prospects" etc. Does this imply a tiny bit of sexism? (reaching for my tin hat as I speak)

As men we are more emotionally involved with the men's team as its the men who were/are our team.
They are the ones we have followed since we were kids. Hence the us/ our references
I would say within 10 years the girls will be also be us/ our team

[tetsujin1979]

Just gone 1-0 up, Denise O'Sullivan scored
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[Insidetherock]

Not the best performance again.. but if it finishes 1-0.. I'll be happy.. need to get the English league games into their legs to build the sharpness before the playoffs

COME ON OUR GIRLS!!!!

[nigel-harps1954]

Been a professional performance without doing anything wildly spectacular.

Slovakia putting together some decent passages of play themselves, so holding out at 1-0 and looking comfortable at pretty much all times has been pleasing.

Not the most fantastic game of football you'll ever see, but doing what needs to be done.

[Insidetherock]

Terrible game overall.. really nervy.. but the result was all that mattered

On a side note.. Hamilton would give you ire with his commentating.. he's a f***ing jinx

[Eirambler]

Great result, whatever about the performance.


The football was suspect but the game hit the Richter scale of enjoyment.
Although the post game celebrations were brilliant, there's still a hell of a lot of football to play in order to qualify. Contrary to the pundits' optimism, it's 99.99% sure that Ireland will be in the play off 1st round.
Even if Ireland won both play off rounds, they would in all probability still have to compete in the inter-federation play offs down under, in order to qualify (3 from 10 teams) for the finals.

edit, I'm just saying that in case Paul doesn't turn up to reply in this thread

Not the greatest ageing post in the history of foot.ie it must be said!

[geysir]

I was wondering who made the foolhardy claim that Ireland hadn't an earthly of finishing in the top 3. There must be a lot of egg on that persons face.

[Insidetherock]

Play off permutations

1st - have to win (obvious)

2nd assuming they win

To get straight to the finals, they must be drawn against and beat either Switzerland or Iceland

Or

Win their play off, and hope either Switzerland or Iceland lose theirs

Or

Win their play off, and hope Iceland only win theirs on penalties (Iceland will then only get one point extra, Ireland will get three)

Or

Win their play off, and win their inter continental play off in February

[geysir]

Seeing as Ireland have bettered Finland twice that puts them a few steps up in the rankings, I'd say, avoid Belgium and Austria in the play off draw and the chances are 51/49.

[Stuttgart88]

While it is more likely than not that we'll be in the first round, I think it's far from 99.99%.The one time Sam is less than over-optimistic... :)

[Stuttgart88]

Terrible game overall.. really nervy.. but the result was all that mattered

On a side note.. Hamilton would give you ire with his commentating.. he's a f***ing jinx

There used to be a website "Danger here..." dedicated to George's jinxes.

[Insidetherock]

There used to be a website "Danger here..." dedicated to George's jinxes.

I swear if Slovakia had scored I would have put my foot through the telly listening to him

[tetsujin1979]

Reading about the play off draw: https://www.uefa.com/womensworldcup/news/0268-1215b5f47763-e5f6d59d5df2-1000--play-off-draw-friday/
Didn't realise both rounds are a completely open draw, I thought we had avoided Switzerland and Iceland by going straight into the second round.

[Insidetherock]

Me too.. thought there'd be home draw advantage for getting into top 3 too, but there isn't

Best case scenario now would be Switzerland and Iceland playing each other.. and getting Wales or Bosnia in Tallaght..