Categories
Republic of Ireland have 'so much momentum' - Carusa
Republic of Ireland have 'so much momentum' - Carusa
Republic of Ireland striker Kyra Carusa said they are ready for Tuesday's "historic and massive" World Cup qualifier against France in Grenoble.
Carla Ward's side have the chance to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup when they face France, who currently occupy the solo qualification spot in League A2.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCarusa has played a key part in this qualifying campaign, missing just one game, and scored the opening goal in their dramatic 3-2 victory over the Netherlands at a rainy Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
"We've put ourselves in a position to control what we can control. It's historic and massive," Carusa said.
"We've made history already and we've already played in massive moments, so it's not something that we're new to at this point.
"With this squad with this depth and with what we've been through and other campaigns, I'm always betting on us."
After back-to-back defeats by France and the Netherlands in the opening matches of the campaign, Ward's side have now won their past three games.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementCarusa added that the side are not forgetting the 2-1 defeat by France at Tallaght Stadium ahead of the winner takes all meeting in France.
"We have so much momentum and I would always say, I'd always, always bet on us," she continued.
"We remember that last game against France that we had earlier in the year, that's not something we're forgetting, just like our last game against the Netherlands.
"It was not something we were going to forget coming into the tonight. So I think we'll take that going into Tuesday."
Republic of Ireland can '100%' beat France - Larkin
Abbie Larkin netted the second goal against the Netherlands, who now look set to have to settle for a World Cup play-off spot after the loss.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 21-year-old was the youngest member of Vera Pauw's World Cup squad in 2023 and is confident that the side can book their spot in Brazil on Tuesday.
"Yes, 100%," Larkin replied when asked if the Republic of Ireland can beat France.
"I think everybody was saying that in the changing room after tonight. We're definitely proving ourselves as underdogs.
"We're looking forward to France, bringing positive energy."
A key strength the Republic of Ireland have showcased this campaign is their depth in the squad.
Substitute Amber Barrett scored the winner in their last match after coming off the bench with 15 minutes to go, while the side were also missing key players Denise O'Sullivan and Emily Murphy.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"Whether we start or whether we don't start, I think we're definitely ready for it," she continued.
"All the girls have confidence coming into the next game and we're just going to take it game by game, so we'll see what happens.
"We're going to be right back at it on the pitch the next day. We need to definitely work on improvements for the game against France."