Republic of Ireland hoping home comforts can see off Poland again

Denise O'Sullivan, Megan Connolly, and Saoirse Noonan will hope to move one step closer to the 2027 FIFA World Cup on Saturday afternoon when the Republic of Ireland face Poland at the Aviva Stadium, 3pm.

The Girls in Green will go into this qualifier third in the group, and hoping to build on Tuesday's narrow 3-2 victory over Poland in Gdansk.

That result has reignited their campaign after a rough start that saw defeats to France and the Netherlands, with the focus now on finishing strong on obtaining the highest possible seeding position for the play-offs.

Ireland have already secured a place in the next phase of the tournament, through their performances in the Women's Nations League, and a high position in their qualifying group will involve a tie with a League C team in the play-offs.

The away win in Poland has built momentum for the second part of the campaign, and Carla Ward's side got that with a performance that included goals from Emily Murphy, Katie McCabe, and Marissa Sheva.

The Girls in Green didn't have it all their own way as Poland twice pulled goals back, before a late push for an equaliser ended in vain.

Despite a nervous finish, the players were happy to move on after executing Ward's game plan.

"We're really happy to be leaving here, putting ourselves in a good spot for Saturday (when the countries meet again at Aviva Stadium)," Sheva told RTÉ Sport.

"I think we left those two games in the last international window (against France and the Netherlands) feeling like we deserved a bit more. So this was a big opportunity for us to prove that, and I think we did.

"It was a great performance against a really good side and not in the best conditions. 

"The pitch was a bit tough to execute our game plan, but I think we did a good job of that."

Murphy echoed these sentiments, while issuing a reminder of Saturday's game at the Aviva Stadium.

"I think it's massive - I think we knew coming away from home that this was going to be a tough test, but at the same time it's half-time," she said.

"We're happy with the three points, but we've got to keep our feet on the ground.

"It was amazing in terms of the football we played. I think we controlled the majority of the game, but I think for us now, we're only halfway there and we've got a big shift at the Aviva to come.

"We controlled large parts of the game, and today it was a matter of making those opportunities count, which I think we did, but I also think we had a lot more out there. 

"And yeah, that's something to crack on with next game."

Ireland are expected to work in the same system, a 5-3-2 with a back three standing in front of Courtney Brosnan.

The most important thing on Tuesday was the return of O'Sullivan as the midfielder missed the Netherlands match in March with a knee injury.

The Knocknaheeney native brought energy and a much needed sense of urgency into the middle of the park, and her reward was playing a key role in two goals against Poland.

Connolly is also expected to play a big part on Saturday, given her ability to operate in midfield and defence. 

This was vital in getting the victory in Gdansk as the home side chased a late equaliser after pulling a goal back in the 78th minute.

Poland are now hurting, and that is a dangerous mindset to be in given the presence of Barcelona's Ewa Pajor in their squad.

The striker has already hit the back of the net 27 times this season at club level, as she challenges for a quadruple after already lifting the Supercopa de España Femenina.

Ireland have superstars of their own - O'Sullivan is into the Women's Cup semi-finals with Liverpool and McCabe is a member of an Arsenal side that are the reigning club world champions and in pursuit of a second consecutive Champions League title.

Ireland also have the added edge of home support, which could be crucial on Saturday afternoon at the Aviva Stadium.