Five and a half years have passed since Ireland’s Women’s National Football Team suffered a crushing blow in Athens, as Anastasia Spyridonidou’s last-minute equalizer derailed their Euro 2021 qualification hopes. That goal, which came in stoppage time, set the stage for a painful loss to Ukraine that ultimately ended their dreams of European glory.
Since that setback, much has changed for the team. A World Cup, two managerial changes, and several retirements have reshaped the squad, with only four players from the 2019 encounter—Katie McCabe, Denise O’Sullivan, Leanne Kiernan, and Amber Barrett—remaining in the current lineup. Barrett, who scored in the 2019 match, could earn her 50th cap today if she plays against Greece.
Ireland’s head coach, Vera Pauw, has expressed frustration with past performances but remains optimistic about the team’s future. Following February’s disappointing 4-0 loss to Slovenia in the Nations League, Pauw held one-on-one meetings with her players to address the issues that led to the defeat. She has emphasized tactical adjustments rather than a complete overhaul of the team’s formation, focusing particularly on improving their play without the ball.
The team will now face a Greek side ranked 61st in the world, who have struggled in the Nations League, suffering losses to Slovenia and Turkey. While Greece is not expected to pose a serious technical challenge, their defensive resilience could test Ireland’s patience. Pauw will need to ensure her team avoids the same mistakes made in the loss to Slovenia, where the formation was disjointed and left gaps that the opposition exploited.
One of the key decisions for Pauw is how to balance experience with the need to introduce fresh talent. Players like Jessie Stapleton, a versatile 20-year-old midfielder who has impressed on loan at Sunderland, are expected to feature in the upcoming matches. Stapleton has yet to get a chance in the Nations League but could be a key player in the upcoming fixtures. Additionally, Shelbourne’s Aoibheann Clancy, who has been in excellent form, is another potential starter. Clancy made her debut in 2022 but has since been overlooked until recently.
Pauw has also acknowledged the team’s struggles without a player like Saoirse Noonan, who has been sidelined despite her impressive goal-scoring form with Celtic. Noonan’s ability to make an impact in the box is something Ireland has missed in recent matches. Other players, including Abbie Larkin, Marissa Sheva, and Chloe Mustaki, are also pushing for a spot in the starting XI.
As Ireland prepares for the upcoming clash, Pauw faces the delicate challenge of balancing the introduction of new players with the need to secure a vital win. Greece is not a formidable opponent, but Ireland cannot afford any slip-ups. With another match against the same opposition scheduled for Tuesday at Tallaght, the team will be looking to bounce back with positive results that will boost morale and provide opportunities for younger players.
The upcoming game represents a significant challenge for Pauw, who must find the right mix of experience and new blood to secure a victory and set the stage for a brighter future.
