Marissa Sheva scored the decisive goal as the Republic of Ireland secured a 1-0 victory over Poland in their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium, in front of an attendance of 18,267.

The midfielder found the net just before half-time, applying the finish to a Kyra Carusa effort that flashed across goal, to seal a result that strengthens Ireland’s hold on third place in the group following Tuesday’s win in Gdansk.

Attention now turns to the June meeting with the Netherlands at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, where Ireland will be without Denise O’Sullivan after she received her second booking of the campaign.

Head Coach Carla Ward retained faith in her 3-5-2 system, with Katie McCabe and Aoife Mannion deployed as wing-backs. The only change from the side that won in Gdansk saw Carusa come into the starting line-up.

Poland lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, led in attack by Ewa Pajor, and the opening stages proved evenly contested with limited clear-cut chances.

The visitors threatened in the 14th minute when Pajor broke free, but directed her effort wide. Ireland responded immediately, with O’Sullivan setting up Emily Murphy, whose close-range strike struck the crossbar.

Ireland continued to apply pressure, with McCabe delivering from deep for Mannion, whose header was cleared, before the breakthrough arrived in the 42nd minute. Megan Connolly initiated the move, Mannion supplied the cross, and Carusa’s effort ran across goal for Sheva to convert from close range.

Ireland carried the greater attacking threat after the interval. Connolly forced a save from Kinga Szemik, while O’Sullivan struck the crossbar following an incisive run.

Poland pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan dealt comfortably with efforts from Pajor and Patrycja Sarapata to ensure Ireland secured all three points.

Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Aoife Mannion, Anna Patten, Caitlin Hayes, Chloe Mustaki, Katie McCabe; Denise O’Sullivan, Megan Connolly, Marissa Sheva; Kyra Carusa (Abbie Larkin 72), Emily Murphy.

Poland: Kinga Szemik; Wiktoria Zieniewicz, Oliwia Wos, Paulina Dudek, Martyna Wiankowska; Adriana Achcinska (Gabriela Grzybowska HT), Ewelina Kamczyk (Patrycja Sarapata 80), Tanja Pawollek; Paulna Tomasiak (Weronika Araśniewicz 90), Ewa Pajor, Nadia Krezyman (Weronika Zawistowska 65).

Referee: Aleksandra Cesen (Sweden)