Ireland v Kazakhstan live updates: Ireland in command going into playoff second leg
The Republic of Ireland women's football team is playing the second leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off against Kazakhstan. Having won the first leg 8-0, the team is heavily favored to advance to the final round.
Why it matters
The match is a crucial step for the Irish team in their pursuit of World Cup qualification, drawing significant national interest.
Hello all , welcome to our live updates from Páirc Uí Chaoimh where Ireland will play the second leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final against Kazakhstan this evening (live on RTÉ 2, kick-off 7.30).
Now, seeing as Carla Ward’s crew won the first leg 8-0 in Astana last Friday, we’re not anticipating a nerve-shredding evening. Indeed, with the return of captain Katie McCabe and midfielder Denise O’Sullivan to the team, this could prove to be the very longest of nights for the visitors.
McCabe and O’Sullivan are among four changes Ward has made to the side that began the first leg, Shanade Hopcroft coming in for her first start for Ireland after making her debut in Astana and Hayley Nolan taking Caitlin Hayes’ place in defence. Kyra Carusa, Jamie Finn and Chloe Mustaki also drop out.
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