Denise O'Sullivan: 'We must be switched on for every minute and not switch off at all'
Everywhere in Metz, including the Stade Saint-Symphorien, the sight of the fortified German Gates bridge castle is visible and it represents a metaphor for Ireland’s task.
Eileen Gleeson’s side are anticipating being besieged by the aristocrats, a team packed with star quality but lacking a major tournament triumph to justify the hype.
Third in the world rankings is reflective of their standing in the global game but the fact the two teams ahead of them, England and Spain, are Euro and World Cup holders rankles with Les Bleues.
Slipping up against the lowest ranked team in the group tonight is incomprehensible for the French despite all the niceties they gifted during the pre-match press activity.
Erecting walls and a moat around goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan, similar to the gothic structure hulking over the city, is the probable tactic employed by the visitors.
That worked when eking out draws during previous campaigns from trips to Netherlands and Sweden. There was little to disguise the plan of containment from the Irish camp yesterday, albeit they were keen to stress the importance of maximising moments of respite.
“I think getting a draw would be massive for us,” confessed Denise O’Sullivan, the Corkwoman available to start in midfield after recovering from a knee injury.
“That’s definitely something we can do.
“We must be switched on for every minute and not switch off at all. For the times we do get on the ball, we must do something with it because you don’t get many opportunities against these teams. Hopefully, we can put one of those away.
“We’re realistic. I don’t think we’ll change the way we play but will be well-organised.”
Since that 1-1 draw in Gothenburg against the Olympic silver medalists,
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