A few 8s and one 8.5: Ireland’s ratings as Girls in Green pick up huge win over Poland
Ireland’s World Cup prospects have been given a massive boost after back-to-back wins over Poland.Ireland have picked up back-to-back wins over Poland to boost their hopes of playing in next year’s World Cup.Marissa Sheva’s first-half goal earned Carla Ward’s side three huge points - and opened up a five-point gap between the Girls in Green and Saturday’s opponents.There were plenty of outstanding performances at the Aviva Stadium.Here’s our player ratings…Courtney Brosnan: 7A couple of very routine early saves, and a few more later on that were bread and butter for a goalkeeper of Brosnan’s quality. Took a big hit in the second-half but played on.Anna Patten: 7A solid performance throughout as the Irish defence kept Ewa Pajor quiet.Caitlin Hayes: 7Strong in the air against Pajor and the rest of the Polish attack. Should have scored from a second-half corner.Chloe Mustaki: 7Solid defensively, good distribution throughout and calm under pressure.Aoife Mannion: 8Lost Krezyman for an early Pajor chance, but then made an important tackle on Krezyman to stop her progress inside the Irish box. Another big attacking display, including a role in the build-up to Ireland’s goal. Lucky not to concede a penalty.Denise O’Sullivan:Given plenty of early attention as Poles ganged up on her, but she soon found her space and delivered the cross for Murphy’s chance that came back off the bar, and then hit the bar herself with a brilliant solo effort. A yellow card means she is out of the Netherlands game in her hometown of Cork on June 4.Megan Connolly: 7Great vision and first-time pass to Aoife Mannion in space helped tee up Sheva goal. Tested the keeper with a shot early in the second-half and overall put in a powerful display in midfield.Marissa Sheva: 8Another tigerish display and, of course, the crucial goal - her fifth in an Ireland jersey. Sheva is improving with each appearance and is now one of the first names on the teamsheet. She was all over the pitch against Poland, and was often on the left, giving McCabe a helping hand.Katie McCabe:Worked her way into the game with some good deliveries. Had one of her quieter afternoons attack-wise, but was strong in defence.Kyra Carusa:Battled well throughout, including in the build-up to Emily Murphy hitting the crossbar. Set up Marissa Sheva’s goal when she showed all her experience to drop into space to give Aoife Mannion an easy pass into the box. Came off after a knock to the head.Emily Murphy: 8Hit the crossbar on the stretch, and throughout she displayed excellent hold-up play to bring her teammates into the action. Was involved in Sheva’s opener, but picked up a booking to rule her out of the Netherlands game. A tireless display.SUBS:Abbie Larkin (for Carusa 72)Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond.
