International Friendly Preview: USA -v- Republic of Ireland

USA

After winning their fourth World Cup, the USA welcome the Republic of Ireland to the Rose Bowl in the early hours of Sunday morning (kick-off is at 3.25am on Eir Sport).

The USA secured their fourth World Cup crown when they saw off the Netherlands in July, as they put two past the Dutch in the Lyon decider.

Megan Rapinoe’s spot-kick just after the hour mark set the US on their way before Rose Lavelle made sure of the victory with just over twenty to play with a fine strike from outside the box.

All 23 players who featured in the World Cup winning squad will play against the Republic of Ireland as the USA embark on their victory tour.

The conclusion of the victory tour will see manager Jill Ellis end her tenure charge of the team having announced that she will step down on July 30^th.

Of the twelve meetings that both sides have had against each other, the USA have scored five goals on seven occasions.

The USA have scored 55 goals so far this year, with only one own-goal going in their favour. The trio of Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe have scored a combined total of 27 throughout.  

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

The Republic of Ireland face the unenviable task of trying to upset the World Champions USA in their own back-yard on Sunday morning.

Led by interim boss Tom O’Connor following the departure of Colin Bell as manager, Ireland have never defeated the USA before and will be hoping to take as many positives as possible from their next outing against the US.

Speaking ahead of the game, Katie McCabe noted that both she and her teammates are raring to go against the four-time world champions.

“Camp has been really good so far. Obviously, there are a few new faces, but they have blended in very well. Training has been going well too.

“Obviously preparing to play the world champions is different, you don’t play the USA every day. But the girls have been great, there’s a real togetherness in the team and we’re just ready to go now for Saturday.

“I’m really looking forward to it, obviously watching them over the summer at the World Cup, you know who you’re going to be up against and preparing for that is good. I feel fit, obviously I’m in pre-season at the moment with Arsenal, but I feel good and raring to go.

“Playing the World Champions is great, but the most important thing for us is that it’s helping us to prepare for the European Championship qualifiers, which start against Montenegro on September 3.”

Megan Connolly is the only noted absentee having picked up a recent injury with club side Brighton and Hove Albion

Referee: TBC.

MATCH STATS

The USA have played the Girls in Green on 12 previous occasions, winning each game. Their most recent win over the Republic of Ireland came in 2016 with an emphatic 5-0 win.

The USA have won four Women’s World Cups, with the most recent coming last month when they lifted the trophy in France.

The Republic of Ireland’s most recent friendly encounter saw the then Colin Bell managed side fall to a 2-1 defeat away to eventual World Cup quarter-finalists Italy.

BETTING

USA 1/100; Draw 14/1; Republic of Ireland 25/1.

PREDICTION

USA 3 - 0 Republic of Ireland.

USA

Injured: Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Republic of Ireland

Injured: Megan Connolly.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.