'One percenters matter', Ward's narrow angle a wider ploy for France

Ireland take on Les Bleus at Talaght on Tuesday evening.

Head Coach Carla Ward at Tallaght Stadium on Monday. Pic: INPHO/James Crombie

Carla Ward aims to again earn a “one percenter” by narrowing the Tallaght pitch by a metre for the visit of France for Ireland’s opening World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

The Ireland boss had vowed to try to restrict the pace and power of Les Bleus by conforming to the minimum dimensions allowed by Fifa.

At the squad’s first pre-match training sessions, the customary white line which Shamrock Rovers operate inside was coloured in by green, making way for the new markings.

The length of the pitch, at 100 metres, is unchanged, but the French wingers, including Lyon star Kadidiatou Diani, will have less width to rampage.

“We are coming up against the best in the world so one percenters matter,” Ward said about hosting the French, ranked seventh in the world.

“I couldn’t tell you what it was before, I can only tell you what FIFA guidelines are, which is 64 metres.” 

Ward has drafted in Manchester City’s Tara O’Hanlon, currently on loan at Celtic, after Hayley Nolan was ruled out with an ankle injury. That’s the only change of her original 23-player squad.

“If it was a France-Netherlands World Cup final, I don't think anybody would be complaining,” the manager said about the two top teams in their group, along with Poland, whom they face twice in April.

“We're talking about our next two opponents that arguably are up there with the very, very best.

“France are deadly in transition, aggressive and front-footed.

“They've got world-class talent in every single position. That strength in depth is something that not many other nations have.

“I think they will go with a fully experienced team – very strong and full strength.

“We know what we're up against.” 

Captain Katie McCabe concurs but feels the 5-4 aggregate victory over Belgium last November illustrates Ireland’s potential.

“I played against some of their players in Europe and they are really, really high-quality,” said the Arsenal star.

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“We need to be really focused, switched on and disciplined going into the game.” It’s been widely reported that McCabe will be on the move this summer as Arsenal undergo an overhaul to lower the squad’s average age. They’re still competing for three trophies after already collecting the inaugural Club World Cup.

“My full focus is on these games coming up with Ireland but in terms of my club future, I've got a contract at the end of the season,” said the 30-year-old.

“The Arsenal fans know how committed I am to them and to the club. I think I've shown that, over the last 10 years, I've given absolutely everything but yeah in terms of where I'll be at, I'm going to see out the next few months and then go from there.” 

Women's World Cup qualifier Ireland v France, Tallaght, Tuesday, 7.30pm.