Former Arsenal defender Louise Quinn believes that the Republic of Ireland’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 dream is still very much alive despite the fact that they may have to defeat Germany in South Dublin on Tuesday evening to secure a play-off spot.
Vera Pauw’s side currently occupy second place in their group with one game remaining but with third-placed nation Ukraine facing bottom side Montenegro in their final match, the reality is that the Republic of Ireland are likely to need to defeat Germany for the first time in their history to secure a play-off.
When speaking in a Republic of Ireland pre-match press conference earlier today in which FA Women’s Super League Full-Time were present, former Arsenal defender Quinn said that the squad will keep believing that they can create history on Tuesday evening and secure their place as group runners-up.
“We’ve got to believe and we know that it is still in our hands” Quinn said. “Yes, we have to face a very tough opponent but it is still in our hands to get that play-off spot.
“We’ve got to get out there and enjoy our football, give everything that we have got and put out a performance that we are capable of.
“Looking back at the last Germany game, we did create chances, we had quite a few set-pieces, a lot of corners and we have to take advantage of that.
“We know that they are going to have a lot of possession of the ball but it is what we do to counteract that and what we do with our chances.”
Despite the Republic of Ireland facing one of their biggest-ever fixtures, Quinn went on to discuss the current atmosphere in the camp. The squad do not seem to be suffering from any pre-match nerves with the defender highlighting a great vibe in the group.
She added “The mood is really relaxed and for me, that is exactly how you want it to be.
“Tactically, we have a lot to think about and a lot to be doing but essentially, we know what our job is, we know the result that we need to make it happen.
“I am really enjoying the fact that everyone is relaxed, taking in the information and in training we have been playing some of the best football in a long time.
“The mood in the camp is really high at the moment.”
Quinn could come up against former Arsenal teammate Leonie Maier on Tuesday evening with the player having helped Germany to a clean sheet in their 6-0 victory over Greece on Friday. When speaking about Maier, Quinn was complementary about her former defensive colleague.
“She (Leonie Maier) is just a great girl and a natural full-back” said Quinn. “She is massive team player and a huge professional.
“Being teammates with her, we were on a similar level of professionalism and wanting to do our best for the team.
“Hopefully, we can cause her a little upset but we can be pals afterwards.”
The Republic of Ireland’s final UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 qualifying match against Germany takes place at the Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday evening and is scheduled to kick-off at 5pm.
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