Ward pushes for record Aviva crowd as Poland looms in LOI showdown

Carla Ward has demanded Ireland’s "biggest crowd yet" for the World Cup play‑off final at Aviva Stadium, where Poland will travel in December to decide a 2027 World Cup place.

Recent results set the stage

Ireland completed a 12‑0 aggregate victory over Kazakhstan at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday, while Poland edged Belgium in a penalty shoot‑out after a 3‑2 win in Gdańsk. The two‑leg tie will see the first match in Gdańsk on 1 December and the return at Aviva on 5 December.

Ward’s message to fans and media

Speaking after the Cork win, Ward told reporters, "We need everyone there, don’t we?" She urged the media to drum up support, noting that the Aviva has hosted large crowds but "we are going to need our biggest yet". Ward added that the team’s exciting style and record‑breaking year should entice supporters.

Ward also warned that Poland will seek "revenge" after their recent penalty triumph, recalling the group’s 3‑2 and 1‑0 victories over Ireland in the group stage. She said, "They’ll look at it as an opportunity to put right what they got wrong".

McCabe urges a packed Aviva Stadium as Ireland chase World Cup spot

Preparation and squad updates

The manager highlighted six weeks of preparation, promising behind‑the‑scenes work and player visits to ensure readiness. She praised the squad’s depth and competition, saying the team is "getting better all the time".

Ward confirmed Chloe Mustaki suffered a "slight knock" in training on Monday, ruling her out of the Kazakhstan fixture, but she remained optimistic after the 8‑0 and 4‑0 wins.

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