Women’s World Cup qualifiers: Republic of Ireland loss to France ‘stings’ – McCabe

McCabe started and finished the attack for the opening goal after she won possession in her own half and passed to Emily Murphy.

The 23-year-old then charged into the box and found the experienced McCabe, who fired a low shot into the back of the net for her 32nd international goal.

“Murph is doing really, really well and I think she has shown that in her last couple of performances for Ireland,” McCabe continued.

“She is a great asset to have up front. She can link the play, make it stick and she has the legs to run in behind.

“Once I stepped in, I was screaming at her to set it off for me and she did. It means nothing now, but we will look to keep improving on that.”

The Republic of Ireland’s second game of Group A2 is against the Netherlands on Saturday (19:45 GMT).

Arjan Veurink’s side drew with Poland in their opening fixture with the Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward adding that the group is “wide open.”

“The group is going to be wide open. Poland are a really good side, as are the Netherlands, but we showed we are a good side,” Ward said.

“No one gave us a chance.

“That is what I said to the players that no one outside this room will give us a chance but us and we have to give everything to give us every possible chance and we did that.”