Overview
- Ireland, following Saturday's 1-0 win over Poland in Dublin sealed by Marissa Sheva, closed out back-to-back victories over the same opponent.
- The sweep leaves Ireland in pole for third in League A Group A2, with the Netherlands staying top by a point over France after their draw and Ireland one point behind France.
- The run-in features Ireland v Netherlands on June 5 in Cork and France v Ireland on June 9 in Grenoble, with Denise O’Sullivan and Emily Murphy suspended for the Dutch rematch.
- Under UEFA’s format, only group winners qualify directly while others enter two play-off rounds from October to December, and finishing third would give Ireland seeding and a home second leg.
- Momentum has lifted Ireland to 23rd in the FIFA rankings and, barring two unlikely Poland wins in June, they look set to secure League A status as Carla Ward and senior players hail steady progress.