Sheva proud to resurrect her Ireland career with a first goal in green

After her first six-month whirlwind with the national team was marred by a penalty conceded in World Cup opener, the Portland Thorns midfielder has fought impressively to return to fold

BACK WITH A BANG: Marissa Sheva of Republic of Ireland celebrates after the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 Play-Off Round 1 first leg match between Georgia and Republic of Ireland at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium II in Tbilisi, Georgia. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Marissa Sheva admitted she feared her Ireland career might have been restricted to a six-month blitz.

The American midfielder declared through her Irish mother after Vera Pauw guided the team to the 2022 World Cup. She featured in the build-up friendlies and the three matches at the finals but her tournament was tainted by conceding the penalty which allowed hosts Australia inflict a 1-0 opening defeat on Ireland.