Tallaght Stadium will host the meeting of Ireland Women's National team and Zambia in an International Friendly this evening (Thursday, June 22) at 7:30 pm.
The game will be the penultimate fixture for Vera Pauw's side before they head for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.
All set for tomorrow ☘️ #COYGIG | #WeAreOne | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/ome3x1yUBw
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 21, 2023
The friendly will be the first meeting between the two nations at Senior Women's level, with Zambia just the third African opponent that the Girls in Green will have faced, following fixtures against South Africa and Morocco.
A capacity crowd is expected, with Pauw welcoming the opportunity to line out in front of home support.
"This will be our first home game in nine months, so we are looking forward to playing in front of our amazing fans again," she said.
"All of the tickets are sold out so we would encourage everyone to turn up to Tallaght Stadium to cheer on the team in what is an important game for our preparation for the FIFA Women’s World Cup."
When you hear there’s finally a WNT game tomorrow 🙌 pic.twitter.com/luzxFt5HsK
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 21, 2023
This will be the Dutch coach's 30th fixture in charge of Ireland, following her hugely successful appointment in September 2019.
Zambia, just like Ireland, will be making their FIFA Women’s World Cup debut this summer, with 55 places separating the sides in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings (Ireland is ranked 22nd, while Zambia is 77th).
Preparations have been going well this Summer, with an intensive training camp tailored for the squad throughout June.
Pauw added: "We started our training camp on June 12 with a very detailed programme for our players to ensure their safety on returning to play from club action and holidays. Now, we must use this game to rise up to the challenge of one of Africa’s best teams.
"The reason we chose to play against Zambia is because we have Nigeria in our World Cup Group so we must be ready for that type of opponent. This game also adds to our preparation plan for the tournament and gives us an opportunity for players to get back onto the pitch again."
Isibeal Atkinson comes into the squad, while Megan Campbell will not be involved as she continues with her return-to-play periodisation plan.
Details for the fixture
International Friendly
Ireland v Zambia
Thursday, June 22
Tallaght Stadium
KO 7:30 pm
Live on RTÉ2
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Caroline Lanssens (Belgium)
Assistant Referee: Irmgard van Meirvenne (Belgium)
Assistant Referee: Melissa Leiear (Belgium)
Fourth Official: Jana van Laere (Belgium)
Your essential info ahead of the World Cup
The FIFA Women's World Cup is taking place across Australia and New Zealand, with the football ferns to face Norway in the opening match on Thursday, July 20th at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand.
Ireland is in Group B with Australia, Canada and Nigeria.
Ireland v Australia - Thursday, July 20th at 11 am Irish time.
Ireland v Canada - Wednesday, July 26th at 1 pm Irish time.
Ireland v Nigeria - Monday, July 31st at 11 am Irish time.
RTÉ will broadcast every game from the competition, with expert analysis from a range of the most notable voices in the Country.
Beat will guide you through every fixture and will be supporting the Girls in Green throughout!
Keep up to date with all the latest sports news on our website beat102103.com.
