'Gutted' Ward laments lack of equaliser late on against French 

Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward. Pic: Niall Carson/PA Wire.

Carla Ward believes Ireland showed enough promise in their narrow defeat to France for another World Cup qualification to be attainable.

Melvine Malard’s quickfire brace silenced a record crowd of 8,376 for a women’s international at Tallaght, overturning the lead Ireland took through captain Katie McCabe.

“Gutted is an understatement,” said the Ireland boss.

“We knew we would suffer at times without the ball but they still wanted to play with the ball but there is a lot of pride there.

Getting nothing from their late surge stung.

“We left everything out there. It hurts but we pushed for the goal late on. It hurts but it hurts against one of the best teams in the world.

“We don’t want to sit behind the ball. I’d like to know the last team that had 11 attempts on goal against France.

“Their manager said afterward that we were the best team they played in a long time.   

“If we show that fight and energy we will be just fine. We will get where we want to go, which is next year’s World Cup.” 

 Mentally and physically spent, Ireland must revive for their trip to Utrecht on Saturday.

“We can’t feel disappointed because the Netherlands are coming soon on Saturday. Another top team but this group is wide open after Poland drawing 2-2 against them.” 

Ward admitted Denise O’Sullivan is a doubt for the trip, following the latest niggle on her knee.

“Denise wants to stay on the pitch all the time and is so important but we don’t want to risk it,” she said. “She didn’t want to come off and there’ll be a conversation with the medical team.” 

Ward downplayed any concerns over the pain McCabe appeared to be feeling following the clash that led to her booking.