A seasoned veteran expressed that Ireland’s players are eager to become regular participants in tournament finals, particularly after their experience in the World Cup last summer in Australia.
Following a somewhat unconvincing 2-1 lead at halftime against Albania, which came after conceding an early equalizer on Friday night, the team engaged in some introspection and candid discussions during the break.
Louise Quinn conveyed the strong desire within the Irish team to establish themselves as a competitive tournament side, a sentiment that was amplified by their participation in the World Cup last year.
If Ireland secures its fourth consecutive Nations League victory in Albania on Tuesday night, they will earn a playoff spot for Euro 2025. This also keeps them on track to move up to Group A in the Nations League and potentially secure automatic qualification for the following year, where they would compete against some of Europe’s top teams.
“We are incredibly determined,” Quinn emphasized following their 5-1 victory over Albania on Friday night at Tallaght Stadium. “Our aim is to continue progressing. We’ve had a taste of tournament football, and we aspire to replicate that success in the Euros.”
Quinn, who possesses extensive experience, marveled at the ability of some of Europe’s top teams to consistently reach tournament finals and believes that this should be Ireland’s objective after their World Cup experience in Australia.
“It was a swift transition,” reflected the 33-year-old. “At times, it has been mentally taxing. Personally, I’ve felt physically fit, but mentally, it’s demanding to maintain that level of performance.”
She further noted the challenge posed by teams like the English and Dutch women, who regularly participate in tournaments. Quinn stressed the importance of adapting to this high level of competition and appreciating the support they receive from the coaching staff.
Under interim coach Eileen Gleeson, Ireland has been working on shifting to a more positive, attacking style of play, as opposed to the approach under Vera Pauw. Despite convincing victories against Northern Ireland, Hungary, and Albania, this transition remains a work in progress.
The team faced some difficulties, particularly in conceding an early equalizer against Albania, and they engaged in a thoughtful post-match analysis and discussions to address these issues.
Katie McCabe’s exceptional performance, which included a hat-trick and two assists, was a crucial factor in their victory. Quinn acknowledged the need for improvement and open communication within the team to maintain a strong performance.
The players recognize the shift in competition from the World Cup to lower-ranked opponents and the importance of constant improvement. The support from the coaching staff and increased resources have been essential in their quest to excel.
While this has increased expectations, Quinn stressed that it is not pressure in a negative sense but rather a sense of personal responsibility to perform at their best, given the resources provided to them.
The team exhibited self-criticism in their post-match interviews, recognizing the need for a ruthless attitude when competing against top-tier sides in the future.
Despite some energy lapses in their recent match, Quinn believes that Gleeson’s players have the potential to compete at the highest level if they were in Group A now. She emphasized the importance of a winning mindset and consistency throughout the game.
In summary, the article discusses Ireland’s strong desire to become a regular presence in tournament finals, particularly after their World Cup experience. The team acknowledges the need for improvement and adapting to higher competition, with a focus on a positive, attacking style of play under their new coach.
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