Bending it like Beckham is still Megan Connolly's focus

'I probably do about 100 frees and about three or four would go in. But that's the thing, it's just practice and more practice; knowing that if there is that moment in the game, that this could be the one' 

DEAD-EYED: Megan Connolly of Republic of Ireland takes a free-kick late on in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 Group B match against Australia. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

If Ireland are to rediscover their knack for a goal, the set-pieces of Megan Connolly will likely be at the source.

Her free-kick speciality against Finland – scoring away and setting up Lily Agg at home – was critical to a six-point haul over the second seeds that ultimately earned that momentous playoff in Scotland.