Republic of Ireland thrashed 10-player Kazakhstan 8-0 in their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final first leg, playing without three of their best players. Captain Katie Mc Cabe and influential midfielder Marissa Sheva were suspended, while Denise O'Sullivan, their most-capped player, was rested for the long journey to Astana, where the game was played on an artificial pitch.
Those who came in for them impressed, albeit against a side ranked 77 places below the Irish in the Fifa rankings. Abbie Larkin, Jamie Finn and Jessie Stapleton, the three drafted in, all got on the scoresheet. Larkin was a constant threat in a fluid front three alongside Emily Murphy and Kyra Carusa, who scored two goals. Finn's goal was her first for her country, and Stapleton added a looping header over Angelina Portnova in injury time. Substitute Shanade Hopcroft also marked her debut with a goal.
Whether these performances have done enough to retain places for Tuesday's second leg in Cork is another question, but it is a welcome selection dilemma for boss Carla Ward. Ward had warned against complacency in the build-up, and her side were professional and ruthless in their display. Republic of Ireland have won all three games they have played at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, and Kazakhstan will be without captain Yulia Myasnikova after her red card in the first half following a VAR check.
Progress to the play-off final against Poland or Belgium now looks all but assured. Ward wants no let-up for the return fixture, saying, "We have to get ready and go put the same performance in on Tuesday."
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing