Ireland face stiff Sweden test in Women's World Cup Qualifier

Ireland face a stiff task taking on Group A leaders Sweden in their fifth 2023 FIFA women's World Cup qualifier tomorrow evening in Gothenburg.

Vera Pauw's squad are currently second in the Group, 11 points behind Sweden with a game in hand. Sweden require a single point to secure qualification to next year's tournament.

"This is the kind of game that we want to be involved in” explained Ireland manager Pauw. “And one that we must experience if we are to achieve our goal of qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

“We are going into a full stadium to play the second-highest ranked team in women's football. So we have no option but to raise our game.

"We have prepared as best as we can within the timeframe that we have been given. We have four difficult qualifying games to go in our Group and we feel ready to take on those challenges.

“Sweden is up next and we fully respect their quality” added Pauw. “We know that we will have to adapt to their game as they are second in the world”.

“We hope to continue the good form that we have shown in recent games and compete as a team against this massive team."

Pauw reports that she has a full panel available for selection for her 20^th game in charge.

Ireland have won eight, draw two and lost nine of those game. Scoring 31 goals scored and conceded 24.

Republic of Ireland WNT Squad

Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Eve Badana (DLR Waves)

Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Claire Walsh (Glasgow City), Chloe Mustaki (Shelbourne), Claire O'Riordan (MSV Duisburg), Éabha O'Mahony (Boston College), Áine O'Gorman (Peamount United)

Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ciara Grant (Rangers), Jess Ziu (Shelbourne), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Isibeal Atkinson (Celtic)

Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Kyra Carusa (HB Hoge), Amber Barrett (FC Koln), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Ellen Molloy (Wexford Youths), Abbie Larkin (Shelbourne)