The Girls in Green return to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday night with an 8-0 advantage after a superb first-leg performance against Kazakhstan in Astana.

Carla Ward’s side produced an outstanding display on Friday, scoring eight goals to put themselves in a commanding position ahead of the second leg of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Round One Qualifying Play-Off.

Now Ireland will look to finish the job in front of the Cork crowd, with a place in Round Two awaiting the winners of the tie.

Match Information

Ireland Take Eight-Goal Advantage to Cork

Ireland were in control from the opening stages in Astana, with Kyra Carusa scoring twice and Chloe Mustaki, Emily Murphy, Abbie Larkin, Jamie Finn, Shanade Hopcroft and Jessie Stapleton also finding the net.

Mustaki was named Sky Player of the Match after an influential performance that included a goal and two assists. Shanade Hopcroft also marked her senior international debut with a goal shortly after coming off the bench.

Kazakhstan played much of the game with ten players following the dismissal of captain Yulia Myasnikova in the 33rd minute.

The result leaves Ireland with a commanding advantage ahead of Tuesday’s return leg in Cork. Progression would set up a Round Two play-off against either Belgium or Poland.

The Girls in Green Return to Cork

SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh hosted a memorable night in Irish women’s football in June, when Ireland recorded a dramatic 3-2 victory over the Netherlands, sealed by Amber Barrett’s late winner in the 89th minute.

The Cork crowd will have another opportunity to get behind the team as Ireland look to complete the job and move a step closer to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.