Ireland made it two wins from two in the post-Pauw era, with an extremely comfortable 4-0 win over Hungary in their UEFA Women's Nations League clash.
They now sit cosy atop of Group B1, ahead of Northern Ireland, Albania, and Hungary.
Player of the Match, Denise O'Sullivan, spoke of the new style of play they have introduced since the World Cup, and following their 3-0 win over Northern Ireland, it appears to be paying dividends so far.
Two first-half goals set Ireland up nicely this evening; a first goal for Caitlin Hayes in her second appearance, and a 25-yard screamer from captain Katie McCabe.
Katie McCabe Screamer The Pick Of The Goals In Ireland Vs Hungary
Ireland go 0-1 up in Hungary, thanks to Caitlin Hayes on just her second appearance 🙌pic.twitter.com/kFnaEm2zi8
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 26, 2023
Here's that McCabe stunner .... questionable goalkeeping but we're not sure there's much she could have done 🔥pic.twitter.com/8Ai3Kqze6o
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 26, 2023
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Kyra Carusa put the game to bed in the 49th minute with a well placed glancing header, before O'Sullivan finished off the best team goal of the night.
The Corkwoman's new and more advanced role, was the clearest and most successful example of the changes brought in since the controversial departure of Vera Pauw, and O'Sullivan's beautiful first-time finish was more than deserved after a fine performance.
A tasty finish from Carusa 💪pic.twitter.com/0igXWGVF6j
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 26, 2023
A beaut of a finish from Denise O'Sullivan, who has been the best player on the pitch this evening 🍀pic.twitter.com/DANnp2TmQI
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 26, 2023
Head of Women's Football in Ireland, Eileen Gleeson, has been taking charge of the side on an interim basis, with no plans to continue in the role permanently.
Speaking after the game, Gleeson appeared very satisfied at the new 'principles' employed by the side over the last two matches, but remained coy on whether she will take charge of Ireland's upcoming October fixtures.
Yeah, very happy, you know, three points, that gives us six points out of six and four good goals, probably we could have scored a bit more, but again, still looking to improve and we always think we can be better.
But like that, starting off with some new principles, bringing on some new young players or, you know, transitioning those two, and overall I thought we did well.
We have to see what happens. I mean, what's not to love here, but we all know I'm in another role then as well as the Head of Women and Girls Football in Ireland. So I mean, this is really enjoyable but there's no commitment to anything on that.
Look nights like this and the performance just get the heart rate up, so maybe I need to bring that down a little bit before I make any comments on anything.
But yeah, it's always exciting. You're national team, you're Irish team, you're proud, passionate, great group of girls. So yeah, it's a really exciting place to be tonight.
"Nights like this get the heartrate going..."
Interim Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson has been talking to our own @DAVEKELLY4 pic.twitter.com/gowyu4pB9P— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 26, 2023
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