If they beat Poland over two legs in late November/early December, the Girls in Green are going to Brazil. That will not be straightforward.

But be warned: during League A qualification for Euro 2025, Poland lost twice to Austria, only to prevail 2-0 on aggregate when the countries later collided in the play-offs. They have form when it comes to peaking at the right time.

The play-off final will be a nerve-shredder, but tonight, there was no jeopardy. Ireland completed the formalities without breaking a sweat.

The visitors were rattled by the nature of their first-leg defeat and took an ultra-conservative approach by the River Lee. Reminiscent of Italy’s ‘no-ruck’ tactic against England in the 2017 Six Nations, they simply refused to engage in a midfield battle, retreating en masse to create a blue defensive wall that frustrated Ireland for most of the opening half.

Kazakhstan were also more robust and streetwise. They strung six players across the back line and stationed a bank of four ahead of them.

Ireland owned the ball, but they found it hard to find cracks in such a heavily populated rearguard.

There were chances of course. O’Sullivan swung in a teasing cross from the right that grazed the fingertips of Angelina Portnova and fell to McCabe, who lashed a first-time effort into the stands.

The natives howled for a penalty when O’Sullivan was squeezed out by Aida Gaistenova and Karina Zhumabaikyzy in the 20th minute, but Czech referee Michaela Pachtová was unmoved.

Anna Patten’s tame header looped into Portnova’s hands; then Patten skied a half-volley miles over. It was one long attack versus defence drill.

Ireland largely toiled, but O’Sullivan was bright throughout. She played a neat one-two with Patten after the half-hour mark, then squared it to Abbie Larkin who smacked a firm shot into Portnova’s legs.

Emily Murphy then drifted in from the left flank and whipped in a dipping effort that Portnova clawed around the post.

In the 40th minute, the breakthrough finally came. Patten’s cross from the right was inviting, Stapleton’s swooping header was excellent, a brave and controlled effort that whizzed into the corner of the net.

Ireland were slicker on the turnaround. Just three minutes into the second half, Murphy crept past a couple of challenges before feeding McCabe just outside the area. The Chelsea star caressed a lovely low strike past the sprawling Portnova.

Marissa Sheva, brought on for Shanade Hopcroft at half-time, clipped the outside of the post from a tight angle after gliding through on goal as Ireland kept pushing.

It was disjointed fare for the most part, but Lucy Quinn’s goal 20 minutes from time was a welcome moment of quality. Tyler Toland did well to skip down the left side of the area and pick out Quinn, who killed it with a sweet first touch before sweeping home a nice finish.

In the 73rd minute, the crowd got the moment they’d craved. Sheva’s low cross caused havoc, and hometown favourite O’Sullivan was in the right place at the right to smash in the third from six yards out.

It was a professional job from Ireland against poor opposition.

Now, they head towards much more challenging terrain as a teak-tough Poland wait in the long grass.

Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Aoife Mannion (Lucy Quinn 62), Hayley Nolan, Anna Patten (Tyler Toland HT), Jessie Stapleton, Katie McCabe (capt); Megan Connolly, Shanade Hopcroft (Marissa Sheva HT), Denise O’Sullivan; Abbie Larkin (Amber Barrett 62); Emily Murphy (Kyra Carusa 81)

Kazakhstan: Angelina Portnova; Alexandra Burova, Anastassiya Nizamutdinova (Leila Sadykova 63), Bibigul Nurusheva, Anastassiya Vlassova; Yekaterina Babshuk (capt), Karina Zhumabaikyzy (Kazyna Norbayeva HT), Asselkhan Turlybekova (Kristina Shustova 79); Aida Gaistenova; Amina Bibossynova (Tomiris Rakhatzhan 88), Fatima Satygaliyeva (Valeriya Popova 63)

Referee: Michaela Pachtová (Czech Republic)

Attendance: 10,334