Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward hailed a gritty and determined "proper Irish performance" as her team secured a vital 1-0 victory over Poland in FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying. The hard-fought win at a packed Aviva Stadium showcased the team's resilience and tactical discipline.

The decisive moment came in the first half when Marissa Sheva found the net, marking Ireland's second win over Poland in a week. This crucial result solidifies Ireland's hold on third place in Group A2, potentially setting them up for a more favorable playoff path to next year's tournament in Brazil.

Ward praised her squad's mentality, especially given the challenge of facing the same opponent twice in quick succession. "I'm incredibly proud of this group," she told RTE. "They are an absolute joy to work with... There's so much to come from them and this performance is absolutely huge." She specifically highlighted the team's defensive resolve in the final 20 minutes, a period where they have previously conceded.

The team's spirit was echoed by midfielder Denise O'Sullivan, who came agonizingly close to doubling the lead with a thunderous volley that rattled the crossbar. She emphasized the collective effort that neutralized threats like Poland's star striker Ewa Pajor. "Everyone turned up and stuck together. That is what we are about," O'Sullivan stated, pointing to the growing momentum within the squad after tough matches against European powerhouses like the Netherlands and France.

This victory is more than just three points; it's a statement of intent. It demonstrates a team growing in confidence and cohesion under Ward, building a foundation to compete with the very best as they continue their quest for a World Cup berth.