Canadian boss Bev Priestman has claimed that the Republic of Ireland Women's team is a 'horrible' team to play against ahead of their clash on Wednesday.
The two sides will meet in Perth for the lunchtime kick-off, and both will be looking to accumulate their first three points of the campaign.
Ireland lost 1-0 to Australia in the opening game, while Canada, the reigning Olympic Champions, drew 1-1 with Nigeria.
A victory for either would give either side a massive boost in qualification to the knockout stages.
Ireland is well-known to be dogged and physical in footballing circles, and that was evident against Australia last week.
Priestman, who worked with England between 2018 and 2020, knows all too well the type of team her Canadian side will face tomorrow.
"(They are a) horrible team to play against, and that’s what we pride ourselves on, so we one million per cent have to match that first," said the Canada head coach in a conference.
“And they know that about Canada too. It’s probably a two-way street.
“Ultimately we have to stay with the process and what we think it will take to beat this Irish team, and stay clear-headed because there are parts of the Irish team where if you’re not careful you can be drawn into that, and it can take you down a route that can take you off-task.
“We’ve got the experience in the team to right that and bring out our quality when it matters.”
Canada manager Bev Priestman believes Ireland - and her own side - are both 'horrible teams to play against #wwc2023 #coygig pic.twitter.com/PjQOvgMce9
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) July 25, 2023
Last week Ireland's captain Katie McCabe was involved in a number of meaty challenges. Some even suggested that the Dubliner should have been sent off in their World Cup opener. The Arsenal star came under intense scrutiny from the Australian media for her robust no-nonsense style. According to news.com.au and FOX Sports, the news site branded McCabe 'too petulant' and 'too aggressive' in the affair.
Despite the tough side, Priestman has claimed that she is not looking to stop McCabe tomorrow because she is 'too aggressive,' but because she is immensely talented.
“Katie McCabe can be an aggressive player, but she is a top player in a top league, in England, so yeah, I think they are organised but all credit to them it has got them to where they are at. I think we can respect that," added the 37-year-old.
“I think Katie McCabe is a top player. We are not scouting her because she is aggressive; we are scouting her because she puts good crosses in.
“We’ve got respect for Ireland for that. There is a reason they have got the results they have got.”
Ireland's game kicks-off at 1pm Irish time and can be seen live on RTE2
MATCH OFFICIALSReferee: Laura Fortunato (Argentina)Assistant Referee: Marianna De Almeida (Argentina)Assistant Referee: Daiana Milone (Argentina)Fourth Official: Akona Zenith Makhalima (South Africa)VAR Referee: Alejandro Hernandez (Spain)VAR Assistant: Juan Martinez (Spain)Offside VAR Referee: Neuza Back (Brazil)
IRELAND WNT SQUADGoalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion) Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Áine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O’Riordan (Standard Liege), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United) Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Sinead Farrelly (NY/NJ Gotham) Forwards: Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers)
