Ireland achieved a historic first time win over France as they ended their latest Euro qualifying match with a 3-1 victory at Cork’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
It was clear that Eileen Gleeson’s side entered the game with a renewed sense of confidence since having scored a late point against England in Norwich last Friday thanks to a remarkable header by Galway United’s Julie-Ann Russell.
One to remember 👏
What an atmosphere in Cork! 🇮🇪#COYGIG | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/LTBybgGyr7— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 16, 2024
France, the world’s number two in women’s football was undoubtedly taken by surprise when Cork’s very own Denise O’Sullivan set the tone for the remainder of the match, scoring the first goal by taking a shot from the edge of the French goalbox.
The North Carolina Courage Captain told RTÉ Sport what this prophetic goal in Cork meant to her.
“It’s unbelievable, it’s been over eleven years since the Irish team has played here so, to do it in front of my family and the city that i’ve grown up in, they’ve done so much for me on the journey that i’ve come on. And, to put away a goal is absolutely amazing and most importantly, to get the win.”
O’Sullivan went on to credit Julie-Ann Russell’s goal against England for igniting Ireland’s confidence with France.
“I think getting that goal against England, there was a lot of belief, a lot of confidence and I think with Julie-Ann and Leanne up there, they ran all game and I think we caused most of our problems down the side for them, down the channels into Julie-Ann with their speed so yeah, we created a lot of opportunities and once we got the first goal I think that gave us confidence and went on to score three.”
🇮🇪 3-1 🇫🇷
"This gives us real confidence going into the play-offs" - Goalscorer Denise O'Sullivan is in favour of moving all of Ireland's home games to Cork after a famous win over France#WEURO2025 pic.twitter.com/4Ssb761by2— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) July 16, 2024
But with every goal comes the effort to not concede more points. Indeed, Ireland were able to fight off their opposition even further when Russell - as she did in Ireland’s previous game against England - scored Ireland's second goal.
Player of the match Julie-Ann Russell dedicated her goal to her daughter Rosie.
“It’s so surreal. I’m just so happy. Both the goals are for Rosie. Hopefully we can inspire other moms and keep the game growing”, Russell told RTE sport’s Tony O’Donoghue.
While Ireland continued in the lead, an opportunity for France arose when a cross into the Irish goal box by Delphine Cascarino lead to Vicki Bècho tapping the ball into the net.
Aston Villa’s Anna Patton scored the third and final goal for Ireland. This came from a Megan Connolly corner kick.
A recent addition to the team with only six caps at international level for Ireland, Patton recounted her thoughts on the game. “What a feeling, just a great way to finish off this campaign and real positivity to take into our qualifiers now, the playoffs.”
With our 3-1 win over France tonight, it ensures that we have a seeded spot for both @WEURO2025 playoff rounds in October and November! 💪
We’ll find out our opponents during the draw this Friday! ☘️#COYGIG | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/y6bxxqOP9M— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 16, 2024
Ireland’s win against France guarantees them a place in the Euro 2025 qualifier playoffs in November and October. The Girls in Green will know more about their upcoming opposition from a draw due to take place this Friday.
