In April, the Irish football fraternity turned out in force to the support the Irish WNT. The Girls in Green faced two crucial games against Slovakia and the Netherlands in Dublin and home support would be crucial in helping Ireland secure the points needed to keep their World Cup dream alive. And the supporters obliged, as a new record was set for attendance at an Irish women's international. All in all, it was quite a positive week for Colin Bell and his players. Slovakia were defeated 2-1 and Ireland put in a gutsy performance in a 2-0 defeat against the Dutch, who are reigning European champions.
This Friday, Ireland's WNT needs their fans to again turn Tallaght Stadium into a cauldron, as Ireland begin a vital home-and-away set of fixtures with Norway. Ireland remain in second place in their group, with a single point separating them and Norway in Group 3 of UEFA qualifying. However, Norway have a game in hand so Ireland will need two massive performances this Friday in Tallaght and next Tuesday in Stavangar. Two positive results against Norway will make second place in qualifying very likely.
Norway are a very good side - they're currently 14th in the FIFA World Rankings - but if we've learned anything from 2019 World Cup qualifying, it's that Ireland are generating massive momentum under Colin Bell. The spirit in the team is exceptional. It was on display away to Holland before Christmas when Ireland secured that massive away draw. It was on show again after Amber Barrett scored the emotional late winner against the Slovakians in Tallaght back in April.
87: GOOOAAALLLL!!!
IRELAND 2-1 Slovakia. What a finish from Amber Barrett. How important could that goal be? #COYGIG #IRLWNT pic.twitter.com/LdXKavavkg— eir Sport (@eirSport) April 6, 2018
Ireland won't be intimidated or frightened by Norway or their pedigree. They may have some world class players, including the group's top scorer in qualifying in Caroline Graham Hansen, but we have some brilliant footballers of our own, like Leanne Kiernan and Katie McCabe. We'll also be bringing back some exciting players to the squad, who missed the last round of fixtures due to injury, including Donegal teen phenom Tyler Toland.
Colin Bell praised Toland in a press conference ahead of the match.
"Although she is very young, we really did miss her in the last two matches and she has been great for us.
"She is a young girl but with a very mature head on her shoulders so we are looking forward to getting Tyler back into the squad."
The likes of Seamus Coleman, David Meyler, Jonathan Walters and Declan Rice caught up with principal sponsor Three to lend their support to the Ireland women's team when they were in camp last week.
Answer the Call-Up. Support women's fotoball. Support Irish football and get to the Tallaght Stadium on Friday evening at 17.30. Your country needs you.
