Ireland chasing Women's World Cup playoff with Poland double

BULLISH MCCABE: Katie McCabe during a Republic of Ireland women's training session at the Aviva. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

Layering up has been the recurrent phrase out of the Ireland women’s camp this week but levelling up is probably the more appropriate objective.

Fifa won’t replicate the men’s World Cup expansion to 48 teams until the 2031 tournament, meaning Ireland must produce something special to be among the 11 guaranteed European qualifiers travelling to Brazil next year.

Completing the double over Poland won’t be deemed special. Yet will be considered essential if they’re to be perceived as a force when the playoff series for the finals comes around in the Autumn.

Any objective assessment of Tuesday’s first meeting between the nations in Gdansk positioned Ireland as the superior force.

A 3-2 defeat, in the end, flattered the Polish given the defensive discipline and attacking intent exhibited by Ireland.

Saturday’s attendance is shaping up to be four times the 5,000 turnout of midweek, creating an environment and atmosphere that Katie McCabe and Denise O’Sullivan revel in.

Not only does Carla Ward have no injury concerns but has the luxury of Kyra Carusa and Ruesha Littlejohn being available again. Two experienced campaigners, with US native Carusa in line to reclaim her place at the sole striker ahead of Abbie Larkin.

Even a draw would leave Ireland with a two-point buffer on the Polish heading into the final turn, Netherlands at Pairc Uí Chaoimh on June 5 and France in Grenoble four days later.

Expanding that cushion to five points is well within Ireland’s capabilities.

Ward rowed back, in some respects, of rendering that position as a point of no return for Poland but a team with one point from 12 won’t stun both the French and Dutch in their final outings.

“We can’t get in everything we want within 10 days,” Ward said when asked to simplify the methods being this layering up pronouncement echoed by midfielder Megan Connolly this week.

“Even with two, three or four camps, it still takes time.

“There was a big focus on out of possession in the last camp, whereas during this one, we want to add in a bit more in terms of what we do with the ball.

“The next camp we might want to layer up something else. You’re constantly trying to improve by adding bits to our game. We’ve seen those layers over the last year.

Players during a Republic of Ireland women's training session at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.

“It’s about keep improving because we want consistency as the biggest thing.

“We’re there with the consistent piece but it’s about improving so we’re ready for the top teams.”

McCabe concurs. “We’ve been up and down in the past, but for us to improve as a team we must challenge the best teams in the world,” she said. “That’s what this League A is all about.

“Of course it helps the playoff, with the seeded and unseeded positions.

"But for us to improve as a team and really challenge each other and get ourselves out of our comfort zone, we must be testing ourselves against these nations.”

Ultimate concentration ought to be a constant message of Ward’s layering.

One lapse against the poacher that is Ewa Pajor and all that advantage accrued on Tuesday could vanish.

Pajor’s 71st international goal couldn’t prompt a late siege on Tuesday, but she’s spoken with confidence ahead of the sequel.

“What was missing?” mused the Barcelona sharpshooter. “Perhaps moments to approach our opponents more boldly as well as being patient in our build-up before accelerating.

“We won't change much for this second match because our training prepared for one opponent over two games. We’ll correct what didn’t work well and play our own football.”

McCabe could be facing the 29-year-old in her second successive Champions League final if both teams emerge from the upcoming semis.

“Pajor showed how much she's a world-class striker,” said Ireland captain McCabe ahead of her 105th cap.

“We kept her quiet for 77 minutes until she popped up with a goal like that, a moment of quality. By no means can we switch off at any point for 90 minutes, 95 minutes plus.

“We must be aware of her at all times because of the threat she poses. She's quick, direct, can run and she scores goals.

“I remember the first time I played against her; it was a few years back with Ireland under Colin Bell. That was my introduction to Pajor and I’ve a lot of respect for her.”

Revenge is the more pertinent emotion for Pajor.