Katie McCabe vows Ireland will fight for World Cup play-off

Katie McCabe said the Republic of Ireland will be fighting and hungry for their World Cup play-off after France won their Group A2 match. Melvine Malard's acrobatic effort broke the deadlock on 40 minutes, and Thiniba Samoura was sent off for two bookable offences. The Republic of Ireland finished third and will have a play-off in the autumn. McCabe told RTE that in an ideal world they would win and go to the World Cup, but they must now recover in the off‑season. She added the team will return in October to contest the play‑offs. McCabe praised the team's reaction in the second half, noting they increased pressure on France. She said the side could have gotten closer in the first half but was happy with the second‑half effort. McCabe finished the campaign as Ireland's top scorer with three goals. She called the campaign successful despite the loss. Carla Ward's side are aiming to qualify for consecutive finals, and McCabe believes the group of girls will be ready for the play‑off. She said the team will be fighting and hungry when the opportunity comes.