WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2015 in CANADA – TOUGH QUALIFYING STAGES FOR IRELAND

The draw which took place in Nyon on Tuesday was far from kind to the Irish women’s team who were drawn in Group One with another of the top nations in the world, Russia as well as Croatia, Slovenia & Slovakia.

However, it is the inclusion of Germany, who won the World Cup in 2003 and 2007, that will give Ireland manager Sue Ronan the biggest headache. However, following their elimination from the 2011 World Cup on home soil in 2011 a number of Germany’s long serving players called time on their careers, making the current squad one of the least experienced they have had for a number of year. Despite this they still went undefeated in Euro 2013 qualifying and reached the final of The Algarve Cup last month.

Cork Women's FC Denise O’Sullivan, who starred in Ireland’s failed qualifying campaign for Euro 2013, feels qualifying will be difficult but not impossible.

“I think it is a really tough group because of Germany and Russia being in with us. Germany are one of the top teams in the world and they will be very difficult to play against as will Russia.

“We need to beat the other teams in the group home and away to give ourselves a chance when we go into the games against Germany and Russia,” said the Cork Women’s FC striker.

With a number of teams from Eastern Europe in the group O’Sullivan and her team mates will have make a number of long trips in their bid to qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the first time but this doesn’t bother the Knocknaheeny teenager, however she has strong feelings on a venue for Ireland‘s home games.

“At this level we have to used to travelling long distances, it’s part of international football so we need to just deal with it and concentrate on getting results.

“I would absolutely love it if our home games were in Turner’s Cross though. When we played France their the atmosphere was absolutely brilliant and we got so much support from everyone it really made it a great occasion,” she concluded