A full house is expected at Tallaght Stadium tonight for the Republic of Ireland against France in the final send off for the team before heading to the World Cup.
Katie McCabe referenced the crazy couple of weeks it has been since the announcement of the squad last Wednesday and also the noise that has once more surrounded manager Vera Pauw.
This will be a perfect opportunity to focus on the football and with a full strength team expected to be named this will be a full dress rehearsal for the game against Australia in a little over a fortnight.
France have competed in five FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments – finishing fourth in 2011 – and reached the semi-finals of EURO 2022.
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
The sides have not met since 2012. That season France won home and away in a Euro Qualification tournament.
France will play Jamaica, Brazil and Panama in their group at the World Cup
“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,” said Vera Pauw.
“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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That last point is important with previously sold out games not attracting the full stadium that the players deserve.
There will be tension with this being so close to the tournament and the active and no doubt loud support will be an important boost.