Carla Ward finally gets a grip on Ireland's strengths as World Cup qualifiers loom

"I think since Carla's come in, she's come into our team, our culture, we've wanted to understand what she wants to do and she wants to understand what playing for Ireland is all about," said Katie McCabe.

THUMBS UP: Carla Ward after the UEFA Women's Nations League A/B promotion/relegation play-off second leg match between Belgium and Republic of Ireland. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

It had been 24 years until Tuesday since Ireland celebrated a defeat as if it was a win.

That’s natural when the golden path to World Cup qualification emerges into sharper focus.