MISTAKE GETS PUNISHED ON BIGGEST STAGE

Push proves costly as Irish lose spine-tingling opener

- MARK MCCADDEN

ONE MISTAKE. That’s all it takes to get punished at this level, as Ireland found to the cost yesterday. 

Marissa Sheva’s hands on the back of Hayley Raso invited the Australian forward to take a tumble – and it looked like she was already on her way down when their legs got in a tangle.

VAR wasn’t going to save the Girls in Green on this occasion.

“I was frustrated because I don’t feel like I made that much contact. But it’s a strategic thing,” protested the Washington Spirit forward afterwards.

But the harsh truth is, she was caught on the wrong side of Raso as the Real Madrid forward chased what appeared to be a lost cause – a ball whipped into the box with too much zip – and she panicked.

A momentary lapse, but evidence of the need to stay switched on from the very first whistle to the last against top-class opposition.

Sheva’s teammates and manager rallied around her afterwards.

Kyra Carusa comforted the 26-yearold, who admitted afterwards that she was “crushed” at conceding the crucial spot-kick, which was converted by Steph Catley on 53 minutes (right).

“I told her that there were plenty of minutes, plenty of matches to be played in this, plenty,” said Carusa.

“Don’t let that define anything. Keep your head up, don’t let them see you cry, don’t let them. There are plenty of games left to be played in this World Cup.”

And that’s the truth. Canada, the reigning Olympic champions, are up next Wednesday in Perth.