In a group of five, Ireland sit in fourth place with Spain, Finland and tomorrow’s opponents Portugal in a superior standing.
For Portugal, three points are crucial. They currently lie in third place, three points behind second placed Finland who play group leaders Spain in Madrid tomorrow. Finland’s superior goal difference of seven means that Portugal will need to bring their striking boots to Tallaght Stadium, as well as hoping that Spain prove ruthless against Finland. In the eight qualifying groups, the top sides plus the six runners up progress automatically whereas the other two runners up meet in a play-off.
So a competitive match is guaranteed. For Ireland, competitiveness will be motivated by different reasons but will be as driven nonetheless.
Ronan’s squad sees some new faces this time around with inclusion of WNL youngsters Tiegan Ruddy and Roma McLoughlin who both hail from Peamount United. There has also been a recall of Wexford Youths striking ace Claire O’Riordan who has replaced Stephanie Roche, who is unavailable this week.
Also unavailable are key players Denise O’Sullivan and Megan Connolly, who both remain in the United States. This may give others an opportunity to stake their own names in a squad whose next major campaign will commence in 2017 to seek qualification for the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
Republic of Ireland v Portugal
Tuesday, September 20th
Tallaght Stadium
Kick-Off: 18:00
Referee: Esther Azzopardi (MLT)