Katie McCabe reacts to Ireland’s draw with Nigeria

Ireland captain Katie McCabe has spoken following her side’s goalless draw with Nigeria at the World Cup on Monday.

The draw gave the girls in green their first ever point at a World Cup but it wasn’t to be for Vera Pauw’s side, who finished bottom of their group with a single point.

Bittersweet feelings

A bittersweet McCabe believed Ireland could have taken all three points in Brisbane.

“We spoke at the start [about wanting] to start the game with a lot of energy,” she told RTE Sport.

“To be calm, composed and patient in our defensive work. To have a lot of the possession was really good, it was just about utilising it in the right areas.

“We did create some good opportunities and it was disappointing that we didn’t capitalise on it. But, yeah, I was really proud of it, and for Courtney to make that world class save at the end to help get us the point was really good.”

McCabe chance

Ireland’s best chance of the game fell to McCabe after some nice build-up play on the right. Her effort flew just wide of the post as Ireland looked for their second goal at the tournament Down Under.

“I was kicking myself,” she added when asked about her chance.

“The girls built it brilliantly down the right. I think I had a bit more time [than I thought I did] and I sliced it wide. I was really disappointed not to work the keeper with it.

“But it was really good in terms of what we were trying to do. To create, get in the 18-yard box and get shots away. I’ve seen a lot of growth in these last three games through that.”

Ireland’s next game

Ireland’s next game is at home to Northern Ireland in the Nations League in September.