Next July the 2023 World Cup gets underway and the Ireland womens football fixtures are sealed.
After qualifying for the tournament for the first time ever after beating Scotland in a Play Off last October, Irish football fans have been waiting patiently to see our opponents.
With the first outing on July 20th, 2023 the Ireland womens football fixtures get off to a tough start against hosts Australia, before a very testing second game against Canada and a final outing against African heavyweights Nigeria.
Despite the big time differences between Ireland and Australia, each game is on at a very respectable time, meaning we will all get to tune in.
In this blog we’ll give you the time, dates and venues for the Irish womens football team World Cup, as well as a breakdown of their group stage opponents.
Ireland Womens Football Fixtures Group B
Game 1
Australia v Republic of Ireland
11am (Irish time) in the Allianz Stadium
Game 2
Canada v Republic of Ireland
1pm (Irish time) in nib Stadium.
Game 3
Republic of Ireland v Nigeria
11am (Irish time) in Suncorp Stadium
Ireland Womens Football Fixtures: World Cup Opponents
Australia
World Ranking: 12
Star player: Sam Kerr
Manager: Tony Gustavsson
As co-hosts of the tournament with New Zealand, Australia were automatically placed in Group B and didn’t have to go through a qualification route.
Nicknamed ‘The Matildas’, they have also never made it past the quarter-final stage.
The nature of the draw means they will play all their three group games on home soil, giving them a significant advantage against what is expected to be a huge crowd going by ticket sales to date.
Their biggest threat is their captain, the talismatic Sam Kerr who is also their all-time leading goal scorer.
The Chelsea star is the only female footballer to have won the Golden Boot in three different leagues and three different continents – The W-League (Australia/New Zealand), the NWSL (North America) and the FAWSL (Europe).
They also boast other WSL stars such as Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord and Man City’s Hayley Raso.
Canada
World Ranking: 6
Star Player: Christine Sinclair
Coach: Bev Priestman
The Canadians are most likely to top the group and are a serious World Cup contender after winning the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
They managed to go through 2022 unbeaten, with the exception of a 1-0 loss to reigning world champions and neighbours the USA.
Their captain, Christine Sinclair, is the world’s all-time leader in international goals scored across the mens and womens game with 190 after 300 caps!
Sinclair has also scored at five World Cups and is a 14-time winner of the Canada Soccer Player of the Year.
They are stacked with WSL players, such as Man United winger Adriana Leon, Chelsea duo Jessie Fleming and Shelina Zadorsky, along with Spurs defender Kadeisha Buchanan.
Nigeria
World Ranking: 45
Star Player: Asisat Oshoala
Coach: Randy Waldrum
A former powerhouse of African women’s football, Nigeria come into the tournament in poor form.
A fourth place finish at the last Africa Cup of Nations was deemed a very result – considering they won 11 of the previous 13 tournaments it’s easy to see why.
But there is no doubting that they have some really quality, none more than Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala.
Regarded as one of the greatest African female footballers of all time, she has won a record 5 African Footballer of the Year awards.
Last year, she was nominated for the Ballon d’Or after a season where she won the Primera Division’s Golden Boot, and a year after winning the Champions League.
Conclusion
To find out more about the Republic of Ireland womens team, check out our Ultimate Guide to the Players right HERE.
Republic of Ireland National Football Team Players (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper: Shay Given
Caps: 134
Plenty of competition for the number one jersey, but it’s hard to look past Donegal native Given.
The former Newcastle United, Manchester City and Aston Villa star was one of the Premier League’s stand out goalkeepers for two decades and won a FA Cup with Man City in 2011.
Given also made the 2001/02 and the 2005/06 PFA Team of the Year – again showing why he is considered one of the Premier League greats.
He kept 52 Irish clean sheets and 113 in his 451 Premier League appearances.
His cat-like reflex saves were often an act of genius.
Right Back: Seamus Coleman
Caps: 59
Another Donegal native on the team and the only modern-day footballer to make the cut and has kept out the likes of Steven Finan and Gary Kelly.
Since signing for Everton from Sligo Rovers in 2009, Coleman has established himself as one of the club’s all-time greats and one of the Premier League’s best ever right backs.
Coleman has crossed paths and kept tabs with some of the best players in world football – Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard to name a few – and has never looked out of place.
After suffering a bad broken leg for Ireland in March 2017, Coleman displayed his typical admirable resolve to get back to his best the following years.
Pacey, stylish and the stamina of a racehorse, Coleman showed all his qualities as he helped Everton to avoid the drop in 2022.
Frank Lampard and Carlo Ancelloti are on record giving the Irishman the very height of praise.
Left Back: Denis Irwin
Caps: 56
No more than Coleman, there was some serious competition for this position.
But when all is said and done, Denis Irwin is simply untouchable from an Irish defensive point of view.
Even Steve Staunton and Ian Harte wouldn’t be able to threaten Irwin’s place on this ultimate XI.
The Cork man is best remember for a stellar and trophy laden 12-year career at Manchester United, finishing with seven Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup and European Cup Winners.
Plus the Holy Grail – the Champions League in 1999.
Some of you may not know that Irwin is actually naturally right-footed too, but preferred the left back position.
He was like a modern-day attacking full back but with a supreme defensive ability. While his free kicks were sensational too.
The best full back in Premier League history?
Quite possibly.
Centre Back: Paul McGrath
Caps: 83
Any Irish football fan knows how much of an enigma the great Paul McGrath is.
Despite battling knee injuries and alcoholism throughout his career, McGrath is considered one of the all-time greats in Irish football history.
A stylish, tough-tackling centre back, McGrath could also easily mix it up in midfield too.
He is one of only six defenders in history to win the PFA Players Player of the Year award during his Premier League career that was spent at Aston Villa and Manchester United.
His titanic performance against Italy at the World Cup 1994 in the USA stamped in his name forever in the upper echelons of Republic of Ireland national football team players.
One of the real greats.
Centre Back: Richard Dunne
Caps: 80
Completing the back four wasn’t easy.
In one breath you could make an argument for John O’Shea whose trophy cabinet speaks for itself, while Steve Staunton is also an obvious choice.
But for us, Richard Dunne gets jersey because on his day, his no-holds-barred defensive style was simply outstanding.
McGrath will have all the poise and Dunne will do the ugly work.
And we don’t mean that as an insult. Dunne was a rock at the back for Manchester City, Everton and Aston Villa.
A former PFA Team of the Year defender, Dunne’s performance against Russa in the Euro 2012 Qualifiers was sensational.
Defensive Midfielder: Roy Keane
Caps: 67
The first name on the team sheet and the captain – without question.
There are few superlatives that won’t describe the former Manchester United legend.
A player who won it all with the biggest club in the world at their pomp and one who was equally feared and renowned worldwide.
Not without his controversy either, namely being sent home from the 2002 World Cup after a falling out with manager Mick McCarthy.
But Keane was pure class and a born winner.
Left Midfield: Damien Duff
Caps: 100
At the height of his career, Duff was one of the best left midfielders in world football.
A two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea, Duff tormented defenders in the Premier League for years with his silky dribbling, pace and a keen eye for goal.
Often not given the praise he deserves for his talents, Duff was able to stand out on a newly-rich Chelsea side stacked with stars, under José Mourinho.
He’s now adapted his talents on the field to the coaching side of the game too.
A joy to watch in full flight.
Centre Midfield: Liam Brady
Caps: 72
Many people reading this might be more aware of Liam Brady at this stage as an outspoken critic on the RTÉ panel!
However, he is undoubtedly one of the most naturally talented footballers Ireland every produced.
His club career speaks for itself too: Arsenal, Inter Milan, Juventus and West Ham among the clubs he starred for – at a time when Italian football was the envy of the world.
Two Serie A titles and an FA Cup fill his trophy cabinet as well.
As a player he was gifted with amazing footwork and trickery, a world-class passer of the ball and a prolific goal-scorer.
Centre Midfield: Johnny Giles
Caps: 59
We’ve opted to play with only one striker to make room for Johnny Giles, because a combination of him and Brady in midfield could easily supply enough for a prolific goal scorer to make hay with.
A former Manchester United and Leeds United star, Giles is arguably the best out-and-out centre midfield Irish player ever.
A low tally of caps compared to the rest of the team, due to the era in which he played, Giles was still a huge favourite with the ‘Boys in Green’.
He then went on to manage Ireland and was hailed for his role there too.
Right Midfield: Ray Houghton
Caps: 70
The Scottish born midfielder was versatile and had an unbeatable talent of scoring important goals.
Think England in the 1988 Euros and Italy in the 1994 World Cup, those winning goals are still so fondly remembered today.
Not as naturally talented as some of his teammates on this side, Houghton was an experienced big-game player who was hugely reliable.
His club CV include Fulham, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace and he never let his adopted country down.
Striker: Robbie Keane
Caps: 146
A former captain, the top goalscorer in Irish football history and the most capped Irish player of all time, there’s only one Robbie Keane.
‘Keano’ also bagged 126 goals in the Premier League after stints with Coventry, Leeds, Spurs, Liverpool, West Ham and Villa.
An elite goal-scorer, almost an old-school poacher and criminally underrated still to this day.
Scorer of 68 international goals, including that famous, famous strike against Germany in the 2002 World Cup that put Ireland into the last 16.
We have supreme confidence that Keane could lead the line on his own in this team!
And who could forget the famous celebration?
Honourable mentions:
We couldn’t go without giving a mention to the likes of Niall Quinn, Steve Staunton, John O’Shea, Packie Bonner and Frank Stapleton to name a few.
Conclusion
Do you agree or disagree with our selections?
Remember, it is a game of opinions after all and we’d love to hear yours.
Are you interested in getting your favourite football player’s and number printed on your personalised jersey?
Intersport Elverys can do just that, available in select stores and online. We’ve got all the best Premier League jersey print for you – so what are you waiting for?
Jersey print and personalisation is available in Intersport Elverys in select stores only and online.
For teamwear, our graphic design and printing department can help you create the football team jerseys and uniforms you have in mind. Choose from dozens of stock designs for team names, numbers, player names and mascots (10 characters maximum and 2 digits maximum).
For personal wear, decorate your own jersey with your favourite player’s number and name or even put your own name on it!
We can also accommodate all novelty tee printing should you require.
Ask in store for details or ring our Printwear department on +353 (0)94 9020317 We can also do this online when you purchase a new jersey on our website.
Stores with Irish Rugby Jersey Print
Galway Retail Park, Dublin Suffolk St, Henry St and Dundrum
Stores with Printers
Dublin, Blanchardstown Dublin, Fonthill Street Dublin, Swords Dublin, Dundrum
Dublin, Suffolk Street Dublin, Henry Street Athlone, Golden Island
Mullingar, Lakepoint Arklow, Bridgewater Galway Retail Park
Thurles, Shopping Centre Sligo, Johnston Court Castlebar, Bridge Street
Limerick, Crescent Shopping Center Kilkenny – Parliament Street Cork, Oliver Plunkett Street
Online Jersey Print & Personalisation
To get your jersey personalised online, just follow the steps below:
The countdown to Christmas 2021 is officially on and at Intersport Elverys we have you covered for in the gifts for him search!
To give you some inspiration, we’ve got some of the latest and top products across our top range of brands.
If you’re ‘Inspired by Sport’, take a look below at some of our great gift ideas for him. We’ve also got some unbeatable deals and huge savings on selected items across our ranges of footwear, FAI, IRFU, balls and more!
2021 is a year like no other – Tyrone won Sam; the Dubs’ historic winning streak was ended; and Mayo suffered more All-Ireland heartbreak.
But believe it or not the new season is almost upon us where supporters’ dreams will start all over again!
Here at Intersport Elverys, we have GAA gear from all 32 counties, from jerseys to hats, including the brand new Dublin Alternate jersey and Portland training ranges. We’ve also got Tipperary,Mayo and Galway ranges.
The rugby season is back on track, with the United Rugby Championship, Champions Cup and Six Nations all to play for.
We have some great gift ideas for the rugby loving person in your life.
As official sport retail partner of Connacht Rugby, we have the full range of jerseys, jackets, training gear and more, to have everyone kitted out the cheer on the Westerners.
Also, all the new Canterbury Irish Rugby gear can be got at Intersport Elverys, including the new jerseys, jackets, top and t-shirts to cheer on the lads from home. Also, this season’s British & Irish Lions is in stock!
Irish Football is going strong and the Premier League has never been better! We’ve got a fantastic range of jerseys and gear to have under the tree this Christmas 2021.
Here are some of our top pick.
This year’s FAI jerseys are different to any in recent memory, as they have no sponsor on the front and are a must for Irish football fans.
In addition, the new FAI Training range is perfect for those who need something for being active, as well as something that can be worn around the house.
Not only do we have the nation team covered, we also have lot’s of Premier League teams including Liverpool and Manchester United.
Running and walking was all the craze this year, so a new comfortable pair of runners for under the tree would be a welcomed sight for many. Getting footwear which is comfortable and durable are key when choosing runners and we have all this and more across the top running brands.
You can see our whole range of functional clothing HERE.
Training Essentials
Every training addict will appreciate the tools that make it happen.
We have a wide range of training essentials that are sure to tailor to whatever way a person trains. Take the Body Sculpture Massage Gun or the BackBaller for those who really value their recovery.
The Body Gym is also an ideal piece of home equipment that can be used to work a wide range of muscles for a cheap price.
You can find all the fitness accessories you need HERE.
Wearable Tech
A piece of equipment that is slowly becoming essential for every gym goer, runner or an active worker is a smart watch or fitness tracker.
Do you dream of becoming the next Stephen Kenny or Sir Alex Ferguson? Or do you just want to help coach and nurture the future of football?
Or are you a former player whose career is now over and you’re looking to stay involved, spread some wisdom and have a desire to help others reach their full potential?
Sounds like you?
If yes, then maybe football coaching is for you.
In this blog, we’ll tell you all you need to know about coaching and how you can embark on a new passion.
What does a football coach do?
Being a football coach involves devotion to your team, assisting them in reaching their maximum potential, and developing the players in all areas.
Whether you’re coaching children, amateurs, or professional football players, you’ll need to give it your best to ensure the team’s success.
You’re the motivator.
You could work in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, leisure clubs, and football clubs, and with people of various ages and skill levels.
How far you can advance in your coaching profession is determined by your level of experience and qualifications.
You might begin your coaching career as an assistant before learning the ropes and eventually assuming the reins.
While studying and working towards your qualifications, consider volunteering as a coach in a sports club. This will help you gain experience so that when you’re ready to apply for jobs, you’ll have a wonderful reference.
Doing an apprenticeship is another option you could consider. This will allow you to learn on the job while earning all of the necessary credentials.
Still fancy it?
What does it take?
The number of hours you work will be determined by the level of football you are coaching.
Evening and weekend work are required at lower levels of football, but the greater the quality of the football club, the more hours you will be required to put in.
Your commitment to your career is likely to consume some of your free time, particularly if you need to travel for football matches across the UK and abroad, which may involve overnight stays.
How do I become a football coach?
If you are starting out in grassroots football, the first thing required to become a football coach is to make sure you are Garda Vetted and have completed the FAI Safeguarding One Workshop.
Then, you can look to enter the FAI Coach Education Pathway – check it out here.
Before interacting with an organization or service, all individuals working with children and vulnerable people, whether volunteers or paid, must obtain Garda Vetting clearance.
Garda Vetting is an FAI requirement for anyone who works with children or vulnerable people (in a paid or voluntary capacity). Relevant training is also an important element of the Safe recruitment process; all coaches must attend the Safeguarding 1 course.
Steps to becoming a football coach
The FAI PDP 1 course is the first step in the Coach Education Pathway and is designed for coaches who work with children in the U-6 to U-9 age groups.
It is designed for coaches of all levels and It is an 8-hour one-day training with a combination of academic and practical content.
The only condition for this course is that all participants have been vetted by the Garda and have completed the Safeguarding 1 course.
The courses are accessible all year and are geographically dispersed around the country. If you have a minimum of 10 coaches interested in attending, the training can even be held and given at your club.
Already coaching at senior level but new to coaching courses?
No worries.
The FAI has recently revamped and updated their senior game-specific course. The Adult Amateur Licence is the name of the new course, which covers all aspects of adult amateur football.
The only condition for this course is that all participants have been vetted by the Garda and have completed the Safeguarding 1 course.
The 16-hour course will include both theoretical and practical content. The training will cover the framework of the game, football actions, and coaching practice demonstrations pertaining to the adult game, to name a few topics.
Responsibilities of a football coach
So, what will your primary responsibilities be?
They include:
Organizing coaching sessions
Providing input and evaluating performance
Inventing new strategies and ways
Assisting the team’s physical and emotional development
Working with additional health care providers such as physiotherapists and nutritionists
Keeping track of things
Sponsorship applications
Organizing your team’s transportation
Vital Football Coach Skills
The following are the skills you’ll need for the job:
Communication skills
Leadership
Teaching
Positivity and patience
Ability to motivate
Organisational skills
Physical fitness
Ability to build relationships
Determination and trustworthiness
Conclusion
We hope this blog helps in you deciding whether or not you want to take the plunge into the world of coaching.
We know you won’t regret it if you do.
Make sure to check out our football ranges below to make that start easier.
