The Republic of Ireland received many plaudits for their performance in their one-nil defeat against Australia in their Women’s World Cup opener in Syndey.
One notable incident during the game was the foot injury suffered by Louise Quinn, leaving her training lightly since that defeat.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's game (Wednesday, July 26), Ireland head coach Vera Pauw has stated her recovery is not a foregone conclusion.
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“We’re a bit concerned, but we think that she can play,” Pauw said at a press conference.
“It’s an injury that is not very straightforward and it’s relying on how she reacts (during) training. Plan B is ready.”
511,000 people tuned in for Ireland's opening game against Australia in #FWWC2023
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Don’t miss tomorrow's game against Canada!
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Even at this early stage, a defeat against Canada would end the girl's hopes of progression to the knockout stages of the tournament. This is something that the Dutch maestro acknowledged.
“Winning starts with not losing,” she said.
“If you play a game like this against an Olympic champion, I have to stay realistic but it’s clear that if we want to go through in this group, we need a result.
“If we win, we have it in our own hands. If we have a draw then we depend on other results.
“Canada is a very, very experienced team and they know how to have patience in getting their results. They often get their results in the later stages so that shows they have the trust to keep on going.”
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— Ireland Football ⚽️?? (@IrelandFootball) July 24, 2023
Kyra Carusa is integral to the Irish attack and is looking to take the positives from that battling defeat against the Matildas on the opening day.
“Those last few minutes of the Australia game did light a fire under us and show this 90-plus minutes that we have in us and the dangers we have in us throughout an entire game,” she said.
“That’s definitely something we take away from that game. We are reliable and have that endurance and longevity to make sure we come up with a result at any minute in the game.”
There are currently 15 places separating Ireland and Canada, with Beverly Priestman's side sitting 7th and Ireland in 22nd.
The pair will lock horns at the Perth Rectangular Stadium tomorrow (Wednesday, July 26) at 1:00 pm Irish Time.
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