Katie McCabe last night spoke of her pride at Ireland’s World Cup heroes - as they booked a World Cup play-off spot with a game to spare.
Lily Agg’s second-half header secured a 1-0 win over Finland - making it a historic double over the Group A second seeds - in front of almost 7,000 fans at Tallaght Stadium.
Ireland survived an early scare as the Finns raced out of the traps and attacked with menace.
READ MORE: Lily Agg the hero as Republic of Ireland secure historic World Cup play-off spot
But Ireland’s defence held firm and McCabe said: “I saw a stat. I think we’re 10th (for fewest goals conceded in the qualifiers so far). We’ve conceded four goals.
“You’ve got England, Spain, teams like that. For me, I’m proud of that.
“I spoke about the girls putting their bodies on the line. You are not getting through Louise Quinn that easily; Niamh Fahey, Diane Caldwell or Megan Connolly.
“Courtney Brosnan in goal was superb. Her performance in Sweden as well was unbelievable.
“We’ve just got such strength within our team. I’m just so proud of them, honestly. I can’t speak highly enough about them right now.”
McCabe admitted it was a nervy opening, saying: “There were some blocks on the line, bodies on the line, and that is what this Irish team is all about.
“The girls put their necks on the line for their country. I love that.
“The girls were unbelievable tonight, from the bench, the stand, the players on the pitch, it was an unbelievable evening.”
Asked how she felt at the final whistle, the Arsenal ace replied: “It was a bit of relief I would say. This is something that we have been trying to achieve for so long.
“Ever since I came in, I’ve heard stories of how they almost got there, and for us to say we’re in the hat for the next round in a few weeks in a play-off position.
“We’re there and we’ve given ourselves a chance.
“Obviously we’ve got Slovakia on Tuesday, and our full focus is there because we want to get three points and finish off this campaign on a high.
“I’m just so proud. I mentioned to the girls in the huddle, it’s not just who is here now, it’s everybody that went before us.
“It’s Emma Byrne, Ciara Grant, Yvonne Treacy, Olivia O’Toole, we had two legends come for dinner with us during the week.
“It is those sort of people who have done what they’ve done in the past for us to where we are are today.”
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