Republic of Ireland to 'lock in' for World Cup dream

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe is already focused on the final World Cup play-off with Poland after a big win over Kazakhstan. Katie McCabe scored in Cork as the Republic of Ireland booked their place in the final play-off round The final whistle had just blown in Cork, but Katie McCabe's mind was already six weeks ahead. Eight goals to the good from Friday, the second leg of the Women's World Cup play-off with Kazakhstan was always going to be an easy night for the Republic of Ireland. There were another four goals on the night, including a powerful strike from McCabe, and it leaves Carla Ward's side just two matches away from the 2027 Women's World Cup.

Poland are the team that stands in their way of making back-to-back finals, and McCabe knows her players will have to rise to the task. "Two games and we're going to Brazil, but full focus over the next six weeks," the 31-year-old told RTE Sport. Republic of Ireland ease into World Cup play-off final with Poland After thrashing Kazakhstan in the first leg, Ward had wanted to build momentum and captain McCabe was brought back into the starting team after serving a one-game suspension in Astana. After a shock 4-0 home defeat by Slovenia in Ward's second game in charge in