'Proud' Ward keen for Ireland group to keep growing 

Anna Patten of Republic of Ireland reacts after the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifier match between France and Republic of Ireland. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Carla Ward has lauded the effort and quality of her Republic of Ireland outfit despite falling short of automatic qualification for next year's World Cup. 

Ireland were edged by France by the narrowest of margins in Grenoble on Tuesday night, meaning the play-off route awaits Ward's women once more if they are to reach the 2027 showpiece.

"I'm incredibly proud of this group," Ward told RTÉ post-match. "We've got a special, special group. They live and die for that badge and I'm so proud of them. 

"The scenes at the end, they didn't have it easy tonight and France are a top, top side and the fact we're stood here disappointed tells you an awful lot about where we are right now."

The Ireland boss was keen to stress that this Ireland team is still building and reiterated the need to keep improving. 

"You can take so many positives. This group has been unbelievable to work with and this campaign we've grown, we've got better and better. 

"Whether we've won, drawn or lost tonight, I think it was important that we continue on the journey and we always want to improve, we want to be better."

For Ward, attention now turns to the play-off draw.

"Look, if you'd said to me at the start of the campaign that we were going into the last game trying to win it against France and running them so hard at the end, I would have snapped your hand off."