Ireland WNT Faces Türkiye in UEFA Nations League Opener
Image credits: Inpho
The Ireland women's national team is set to face Türkiye in their UEFA Nations League opener, with Carla Ward making her debut as Head Coach. The match will take place on Friday, February 21, at Tallaght Stadium, with a kick-off time of 19:30. The game will be broadcast live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Ireland is currently ranked 25th in the FIFA Women's World Rankings, while Türkiye is ranked 60th. This will be the first time the two teams have faced each other at the women's senior level, with Türkiye becoming the 55th different team that Ireland will have faced.
The Ireland WNT squad includes a mix of experienced and young players, with goalkeepers Courtney Brosnan, Sophie Whitehouse, and Grace Moloney, defenders Heather Payne, Jessie Stapleton, and Anna Patten, midfielders Denise O'Sullivan, Megan Connolly, and Tyler Toland, and forwards Leanne Kiernan, Kyra Carusa, and Abbie Larkin. The team will be looking to start their League B, Group 2 campaign with a positive result, ahead of their trip to Koper to take on Slovenia on Tuesday, February 25. Carla Ward will become the 15th Head Coach to lead the Ireland WNT and the fifth woman to take on the role.
The match officials for the game have been announced, with Réka Molnar from Hungary serving as the referee, assisted by Noemi Hegedus-Barath and Nikolett Bizderi, also from Hungary. Eszter Urban from Hungary will be the fourth official. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats for the game, with tickets selling well. The Ireland WNT player stats are as follows:
- Courtney Brosnan: 43 caps, 17 clean sheets
- Grace Moloney: 7 caps, 2 clean sheets
- Sophie Whitehouse: 0 caps, 0 clean sheets
- Heather Payne: 49 caps, 2 goals
- Jessie Stapleton: 11 caps, 1 goal
- Anna Patten: 10 caps, 2 goals
- Aoife Mannion: 11 caps, 1 goal
- Caitlin Hayes: 18 caps, 2 goals
- Megan Campbell: 52 caps, 4 goals
- Katie McCabe: 93 caps, 29 goals
- Denise O'Sullivan: 119 caps, 21 goals
- Megan Connolly: 58 caps, 4 goals
- Tyler Toland: 20 caps, 1 goal
- Ruesha Littlejohn: 85 caps, 6 goals
- Marissa Sheva: 10 caps, 1 goal
- Melisa Filis: 0 caps, 0 goals
- Leanne Kiernan: 40 caps, 4 goals
- Kyra Carusa: 31 caps, 9 goals
- Abbie Larkin: 21 caps, 1 goal
- Amber Barrett: 47 caps, 7 goals
- Izzy Atkinson: 18 caps, 0 goals
- Lucy Quinn: 24 caps, 5 goals
- Emily Murphy: 5 caps, 0 goals
Ireland's women's national team has been actively involved in various football activities, including the UEFA and FAI hosting an integrity workshop in Dublin. The team has also been showing support for the Girls in Green, with fans encouraged to attend the matches and cheer on the team. The WNT Legends will be honored at the Türkiye game, recognizing their contributions to the sport. Additionally, the GU16s are set to play two international friendlies against Switzerland, providing opportunities for young players to develop their skills.
The Ireland WNT is looking forward to a successful campaign, with the team's dedication and hard work being evident in their preparations. As the team takes on Türkiye in their UEFA Nations League opener, fans can expect an exciting match with a lot at stake. With the team's strong squad and experienced players, they are well-equipped to take on the challenges of the tournament and make a strong impression in the football world.
women ireland nation uefa football wnt rkiye carla league ward
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