What's next for the Girls in Green?
The Girls in Green battled valiantly yesterday but in the end, they were beaten 2-1 by a tough Canadian team who proved too much for the Irish women. After a strong performance in their opening match against the hosts Australia, hopes were high that Ireland could snatch a draw or win from the game keeping their aspirations of reaching the final 16 alive.
They knew a loss would put an end to their World Cup dreams and they poured everything into getting a result. Unfortunately on the day, even with an inspired Katie McCabe goal direct from a corner, it just wasn’t enough.
Having made history as the first Irish women's football team to qualify for a major tournament, they have undoubtedly brought joy to the nation and can hold their heads high. But the journey is not over yet for Ireland.
The Girls in Green will face Nigeria in Brisbane at 11am on Monday 31 July. Ranked 40th in the world, Ireland can expect a tough match against the Nigerians, who have an impressive pedigree. Nicknamed the Super Falcons, Nigeria is Africa's most successful international women's football team, clinching eleven Women's Africa Cup of Nations titles.
Their most recent victory came in 2018, when they triumphed over South Africa in the final. They are also the only team from the Confederation of African Football to make it to the quarterfinals in both the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Summer Olympics, and they qualified for every World Cup.
Although the current team is not as strong as it has been in the past, they still have some great players. Asisat Oshoala plays for Barcelona, and has just won the Champions League and could be a major threat. Atlético Madrid’s Rasheedat Ajibade and Saint-Étienne’s Esther Okoronkwo are two other star players that could cause Ireland trouble.
In their opening encounter, the Nigerians held Canada to a goalless draw in what proved to be a bruising match. Ireland can expect something similar at Brisbane Stadium next Monday. The question of whether the Girls in Green can emerge victorious remains uncertain, but regardless of the outcome - they have already made their country proud.