COMPLETED TASKS, STILL more work ahead. This encapsulated Carla Ward's sentiment following Ireland's actions. completed the Greek double and secured consecutive victories for the first time since she took over.
Following their impressive 4-0 triumph in Crete on Friday, Ireland secured an uneven 2-1 win at Tallaght Stadium this evening; goals from Amber Barrett and Anna Patten in the first half of each period were countered when the underdog Greek team scored late to add some tension to the conclusion.
Slovenia continue to lead the pack in Nations League B Group 2, yet Ireland are strongly vying for a chance at promotion.
Look, I believe we maintained full control throughout most of the game until they scored that goal, which likely made us all quite anxious for a few minutes," Ward stated during her post-match press briefing. "I feel that some improvement is necessary when it comes to handling such pivotal moments.
“However, with two victories out of two matches and scoring six goals total, we must carry this huge sense of belief and confidence into our last two games.”
Ward believes that Ireland are heading in the correct direction, yet she acknowledges that enhancements must be made regarding their approach of playing from the front with ball possession. As the previous manager at Aston Villa, Ward has implemented a flexible 4-3-3 formation, as opposed to the earlier setup which involved a back three or five players.
“If anyone understands me, they know I adore an attacking style of play, which means there’s plenty more work ahead. They have followed this approach for numerous years, so it takes time. However, those two victories are incredibly significant.”
“I’m that annoying mum, big sister, call it what you want, I’m at them every day. They’re top players, elite players, I believe we can play in that way, it’s just embedding into their heads because they’ve done a lot of defending over the years and it is a little bit different.
[My approach] is thrilling both to execute and to observe — indeed, we might likely allow some goals as we progress due to our style of play, but we must continue to have faith and push ahead.
It’s more extensive work (than I anticipated). Nevertheless, it’s an excellent task, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. The role presents a significant challenge as I am adjusting to international football; there’s no denying this fact. My objectives are quite clear, yet they differ from those at the club level, hence my ongoing adaptation process. This position carries considerable weight. We are evolving and progressing collectively. Without doubt, we are making our way forward.
Ward minimized the significance of suspended captain and key playmaker Katie McCabe’s absence today. Left-back substitute Megan Campbell contributed with an assist instead; her 50th-minute corner kick resulted in a header goal by Patten. Additionally, Amber Barrett scored from a ninth-minute penalty, which was surprisingly granted due to a foul just outside the penalty area.
Ward mentions that set-pieces have been emphasized, and Ireland is glad to have benefited from a few during the back-to-back matches.
“In our match against Slovenia, we performed quite disappointingly. Despite having 17 offensive corner kicks, we failed to capitalize on them. Alan Mahon has put in considerable effort both during training sessions and on the field with the team. The players were thrilled about scoring. While I can’t reveal specifics, he told them that each time they score... well, let’s just say he will bear some personal costs as a result.”
Player of the Match Aoife Mannion unveiled during her television chat show that every goal scored during set-pieces will result in a donation to their chosen charity.
Ward is still aiming for an automatic promotion to League A, with the battle for first place likely heading towards a final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh in early June, where Ireland needs to defeat Slovenia by over four goals.
The runners-up can still secure their place at the highest level through a two-legged playoff against a Team from League A, and Ward sees this as potentially being a positive outcome for her squad.
That could indeed be the scenario, leading to a few more thrilling matches of course. However, let me point out that nothing is decided until everything is settled.
We have a plan; this team will find a way to venture into Cork. Ideally, we'll accomplish our mission in Türkiye first. Then, fingers crossed, we can head over to Cork and play an exhilarating game with confidence. It’s essential that we win by at least four points. We’re ready to take our chances.
The Greece manager, Alexandros Katikaridis, meanwhile, outlined Ward’s request prior to the May/June transfer period.
"We will all strive to secure the gift for Ireland. The present the coach requested from me is to defeat Slovenia," Katikaridis stated at his press briefing, mentioning that his team was surprised by both the spectators and ambiance in Tallaght.