Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward is setting her sights on a crucial victory against Slovenia in the upcoming Nations Cup match. Ward has acknowledged the high caliber of the Slovenian team, which recently secured a 2-1 win over Greece in their League B Group 2 opener.

Slovenia's Rising Talent Ward highlighted the impressive development across all age groups in Slovenia, stating, “Slovenia are a top side - their age groups are showing that. Every single age group is improving in their rankings.” She also noted the presence of players with Champions League experience in the Slovenian squad, emphasizing the competitive nature of the upcoming game.

Tactical Adjustments Despite starting her tenure with a 1-0 win over Turkey, Ward believes there is room for improvement. “The system will never change with me - I have a very clear way of playing,” she said. The team has been focusing on creating more scoring opportunities after a modest performance against Turkey.

Anticipating a Thrilling Match Ward anticipates a more open and engaging match against Slovenia compared to the previous game. “This type of game will be better than the game against Turkey because you've got two teams who want to play football. There will be spaces that open up which naturally makes for a better game,” she explained. However, she also warned that it will be a tough encounter given Slovenia's quality.

Key Players to Watch Kyra Carusa, who scored the decisive goal against Turkey, will be a key player for the Republic of Ireland. The team will rely on her sharpness and tactical awareness to break through Slovenia's defense.

Conclusion As the Republic of Ireland prepares to face Slovenia, all eyes will be on Carla Ward's strategies and the team's ability to adapt and overcome the challenges posed by a formidable opponent. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Nations Cup.