France v Republic of Ireland: French win would be ‘one of biggest stories in football’

Republic of Ireland lost their opening two games of the group 2-1, against France and Netherlands in March, before recovering in April to win both their games against Poland.

The positive momentum generated from those two results rolled into June and they showed great resilience to beat Netherlands 3-2 at a rain-soaked Cork on Friday to set up the winner takes all showdown with France in Grenoble.

While Ward always felt that they could aim higher than a third place finish which would see them remain in the top tier and secure a play-off, she is pleased her side have followed through and put themselves in this position.

“Everyone called it the group of death but we saw it as an opportunity for this group to show what they’re about,” she added.

“The group deserve an awful lot of credit because they’re showing it in abundance.”

Ward acknowledges that Republic of Ireland come into this game as huge underdogs, given that Les Bleues have a stacked squad, but her side have “nothing to lose and everything to gain” with France under pressure to win at home.

“I expect the French to come after us but I don’t think they will underestimate us, they were really respectful when we played them last time. We have to manage every moment so we’ll leave no stone unturned.

“The pressure is off and I mean it when I say it, there is a real calm and a real focus on the game. The processes stay the same and nothing will change.”