In a stunning display, the Republic of Ireland crushed Kazakhstan 8-0 in the Women's World Cup play-off semi-final first leg on Friday, even without key players. Captain Katie McCabe and midfielder Marissa Sheva were suspended, while the most-capped player, Denise O'Sullivan, was rested due to the artificial pitch in Astana.

Despite missing these crucial components, the Irish team showcased impressive depth, overcoming a side ranked 77 places lower. Key highlights include:

• Abbie Larkin, Jamie Finn, and Jessie Stapleton all scored, marking a strong performance from the substitutes.
• Emily Murphy and Kyra Carusa also contributed, with Carusa netting two goals.
• Finn celebrated her first international goal, while Stapleton added the eighth with a looping header in injury-time.
• Shanade Hopcroft made a debut impact with a goal, boosting midfield options.

Manager Carla Ward expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing their professionalism and front-footed approach. She noted, "Good sides win in different ways, which we've done tonight."

As they prepare for the second leg in Cork on Tuesday, Kazakhstan faces the challenge of bouncing back without captain Yulia Myasnikova, who received a red card. Ward urged her team to maintain their momentum, stating, "We have to get ready and go put the same performance in on Tuesday." The Irish are now all but assured a place in the play-off final against Poland or Belgium.