Ronan wary of French threat

The Republic of Ireland women’s senior side continue their UEFA EURO 2013 drive with their first home game of the campaign against FIFA World Cup semi-finalists, France in Turners Cross, tomorrow (Thursday) at 7.45pm.

 
Buoyed from their 2-0 victory in the opening game of the campaign against Wales in Newport last weekend, Head Coach, Sue Ronan has no major injury concerns ahead of what is perhaps her biggest test since taking on the job last year against a French side who are on the crest of a wave following their impressive form at last summer’s FIFA World Cup in Germany.

 
Speaking ahead of the game in Cork, Ronan pointed out that the opening day victory over Wales would act as a springboard to potential success in the EURO 2013 campaign, “It was a major relief to get off to a good start in the campaign with a 2-0 win in Wales even though we didn’t play particularly well. Wales have improved immensely over the last number of months and they are improving all of the time. Wales are still going to play a huge part in the outcome of this group and I think that they will cause problems for teams such as France, Israel and Scotland at home. The most pleasing aspect of the result is obviously the three points on the board in the first game while we also kept a clean sheet under tremendous pressure,” she said.

 
“The game against France tomorrow is going to be another matter entirely however. France have emerged as one of the most exciting teams in women’s football following on from their success at the FIFA World Cup and in my opinion were unlucky not to win it after losing out in the semi-finals on penalties to the USA. Their team is the result of the development of a successful underage structure for the past 4/5 years which I was well aware of in my previous role as U19 manager. These exciting new players compliment hugely experienced professionals such as Sonia Bompastor and captain, Sandrine Soubeyrand who will represent an enormous test for our side. For us to get anything out of this game, we are going to have to play better than ever before and ensure that France do not play to their capability. In the past year, Ireland have only played two games while France have had over 20 fixtures with friendlies and of course their World Cup campaign which will be a substantial benefit for them,” said Ronan.

 
Referring to the huge interest surrounding the game in Cork City, Sue Ronan added, “The France game is going to be such a memorable occasion for all of the players and everybody involved in football in Cork. The whole county is steeped in a rich tradition of women’s football and knowing that we go into this game with a fanatical crowd behind us can only help the team,” she said.

 
UEFA EURO 2013 – Group 4 Qualifier

Republic of Ireland v France

Turners Cross, Cork

Thursday, September 22

Kick-off: 7.45pm

Tickets for the EURO 2013 qualifier against France in Turners Cross are priced at €5 for adults and €2 for children and are available at the turnstiles before the game.