Denise O’Sullivan defends Ireland’s World Cup playoff form

Denise O’Sullivan has rejected criticism of Ireland’s preparation for their World Cup playoff decider, saying the team’s recent results do not diminish their readiness.

RTÉ’s panel last Friday suggested that a 9‑0 aggregate defeat of Georgia in 2024 had not adequately prepared the side for the final against Wales, a match they lost 3‑2 over two legs, the second at Lansdowne Road. O’Sullivan, who is one appearance away from Emma Byrne’s all‑time cap record, disagreed with that view.

Under Carla Ward, who succeeded Eileen Gleeson, Ireland entered the second leg against Kazakhstan with an 8‑0 advantage at Pairc Uí Chaoimh. The team will face either Belgium or Poland in early December, both of whom they have beaten in the past year, for a place at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Speaking after the first leg, O’Sullivan said: “I don’t really agree with that. You have to face the teams that are in front of you and that’s all we can do as a team. I think it discredits the team to say that because I thought they were excellent the other night.” She added that scoring eight goals was “amazing” and the squad would aim to improve in the return fixture.

O’Sullivan returns to the starting line‑up after missing the 11‑hour trip to Astana, and captain Katie McCabe will also be reinstated following a suspension.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: George Zografidis / Pexels.