Ireland women play France in Tallaght

THE final game before they depart for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will see the Ireland Women’s National Team take on France in Tallaght Stadium on Thursday evening.

The International Friendly is officially sold out, but all supporters are encouraged to use their ticket to give the Girls in Green full support.

Ireland’s opening game in the World Cup is on Thursday July 20 against Australia.

France have competed in five FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments, finishing fourth in 2011 – and reached the semi-finals of EURO 2022 so it’s a good warm-up before the World Cup.

There are 17 places between the two games in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings as France are currently 5th while Ireland are in 22nd while Shamrock Rovers Stephanie Roche and Áine O’Gorman have scored the only goals for Ireland in games against France (Stephanie netting in the 2-1 loss in 2009, Áine scoring in 3-1 defeat in 2011).

Manager Vera Pauw said ahead of Thursday’s match: “This game was always the most important in our preparation for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 so it was crucial that we secured a top level opponent who would give us the kind of challenge that we need to be familiar with going into the World Cup.

“France are an excellent team and we are looking forward to this challenge.

“Our preparation, to date, has been excellent.

“We now need to test ourselves in a high pressure game because we expect France to be physically strong, athletic, quick and superb in both attacking and defending.

“This is exactly why we chose to play against them, we must be ready for what the best teams will come at us with.

“This is also an important game for our fantastic fans as they will get the opportunity to cheer on the team and wish them well before we depart for the World Cup.

“I would encourage everyone who has secured a ticket to use it, you have a responsibility to fill that seat because there are so many fans who would take it up if you don’t.

“If you cannot make the game, make sure someone else does.”

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