Bemand and Ireland look to finish the job with a flourish against Americans

Beat a side that lost by 40 points to England and by eight to France and Ireland will finish this tournament in third place. It would be a remarkable achievement

ONE LAST PUSH: Enya Breen and Fiona Tuite during Ireland team training in Vancouver. Pic: INPHO/Travis Prior

Almost there. It's been over a month since Scott Bemand rounded up his players to prepare for this WXV1 tournament in Canada. Three weeks since they arrived in Vancouver. That chapter will close on Friday evening after they face the USA in BC Stadium.

This long road has been baked into the week’s preparations. The squad has tread lightly on the training paddock with so much of the hard work done. There have been coffees aplenty and a penalty shootout soccer-style in training. Now to finish the job.