“You don’t sell the skin until you have caught the bear.” That was Republic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw’s response to a question last week about whether she had considered the playoff variables that could open up should her team get the right result against Finland in Tallaght Stadium tonight.
The words of 15th-century Italian philosopher Laurentius Abstemius translate as a European equivalent of not counting your chickens until they have hatched, but proverbs will give way to raucous energy tonight at a packed stadium where the tickets sold out in less than half an hour.
That means 8,000 in attendance and we can only hope that those who bought will not give way to the distraction of a return to school and will be there to add their voice to the cause of a first-ever qualification for a major tournament.
It will be noisy with the FAI having given 2,000 tickets to children through an online portal for Grassroots clubs and schools, from around the country. A record number of requests were received and over 2,000 tickets were distributed to 91 clubs and schools.
Victory will secure a Play-Off spot for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with one game still to go. A draw would mean that we would have to match or better the result of Finland’s last game against group topping Sweden, in our last game next week away to Slovakia.
Defeat would not be fatal but it would leave a mountain to climb and both results next week going our way.
Then the drama of a series of playing a series of Play Off fixtures can be considered but that’s the skin of the bear again.
“It is fantastic to have the game against Finland sold out and knowing that so many kids will be there makes it even better because they help to create an atmosphere that will give us an extra edge,” said team captain Katie McCabe.
“We have had some truly amazing nights in Tallaght Stadium, which is our home, and we hope that this game trumps them all. We would appeal to everyone with a ticket to come out to support the team and for the fans who do come to make as much noise as possible.”
“I can remember when I first went to see the Ireland team as a kid and being inspired to dream about becoming a professional player and pull on that green jersey. That is what we want for all of the kids, not just those who turn up to Tallaght Stadium but every kid around the country. We want them to dream big and to enjoy playing football.”
“For the kids who do get to Tallaght Stadium on Thursday night, we have one message: Let’s get the place rocking!”
