International Preview: Spain -v- Rep of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland Women’s national team will play World Cup contenders Spain tomorrow Wednesday, April 8th in Mareo Stadium, Astrurias at 17:00 Irish time.

The girls in green are set to face a tough challenge as they take on the currently FIFA Women’s World ranked #14 and will be facing some World class stars including Spanish captain Verónica Boquete who was short listed for this year’s FIFA Women’s Player of the year award.

Ireland’s most recent action was at the Istria Women’s Cup in Cyprus where they beat other World Cup contenders Costa Rica in their final game. With regards to their competition on Wednesday it will be both an exciting but challenging game for the Irish ahead of their trip to the United States where they will face current World number two and previous World Cup winners the United States on May 10^th.

Speaking to the ExtraTime.ie ahead of the game, Women’s Senior International Méabh De Búrca was aware of the hard task ahead.  

Spain will be a tough challenge. From what we know and the match video we have seen of them, they are very technical and skilful team. The Spanish are obviously ranked higher than us and will be at the World Cup so it will be a good test for us before the Euro qualifiers in the autumn.”

The original squad of 18 reported into Irish camp fit after flying to Spain Sunday night and have been training in preparation for Wednesday’s match. Ireland is without FIFA Puska runner-up Stephanie Roche for this friendly, as Stephanie prepares for the opening weekend of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in the United States on Saturday, April 10^th with the Houston Dash. The Dash is set to play Washington Sprit in their home opener at 7:30 CDT.

Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Squad (v Spain)

Goalkeepers: Emma Byrne (Arsenal), Niamh Reid-Burke (Raheny United).

Defenders: Megan Campbell (Florida State University), Meabh De Burca (Galway WFC), Niamh Fahey (Chelsea), Aine O’Gorman (UCD Waves), Sophie Perry (Brighton & Hove Albion), Louise Quinn (Eskilstuna United).

Midfielders: Emma Beckett (Amazon Grimstad), Diane Caldwell (Avaldsnes), Ciara Grant (UCD Waves), Siobhan Killeen (Raheny United), Denise O’Sullivan (Glasgow City), Julie Ann Russell (UCD Waves).

Forwards: Carol Breen (Wexford Youths Women’s AFC), Ruesha Littlejohn (Celtic), Katie McCabe (Raheny United), Fiona O’Sullivan (Notts County).