Ireland women's football rankings 2018

Understanding the context of ireland women's football in 2018

In 2018, the landscape of Irish women's football was one of determined progress and significant challenges. The national team, often referred to as the Girls in Green, was actively competing in the qualification rounds for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. This period was crucial for assessing their standing on the global stage, making the study of ireland women's football rankings 2018 particularly insightful. While not yet a dominant force, the team, under the guidance of then-manager Colin Bell, displayed resilience and tactical discipline, often punching above its weight against more established European nations. This era also saw increasing calls for greater investment and professionalization within the domestic game, setting the stage for future growth and improvements that would eventually impact their international standing. The 2018 rankings reflect a team on the cusp of significant development, striving for recognition and higher competitive levels.

How fifa rankings work and ireland's position in 2018

The FIFA Women's World Ranking system is a sophisticated method designed to reflect the true strength of international women's football teams. It considers various factors including the outcome of matches, the importance of the match (e.g., World Cup qualifiers versus friendlies), the strength of the opposition, and even regional confederation strength. Points are awarded based on these criteria, and teams accumulate points over a rolling four-year period, with older results gradually depreciating in value. For ireland women's football rankings 2018, the team's position was directly influenced by their performance in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers. At the start of 2018, Ireland was ranked 33rd globally, a position they largely maintained or slightly improved upon throughout the year. For instance, in December 2018, they remained at 33rd. This consistent ranking indicated a stable performance but also highlighted the gap they needed to bridge to break into the top tier of international women's football. Their matches against higher-ranked teams, even if ending in a draw or narrow defeat, contributed positively to their ranking coefficient by demonstrating competitive prowess.

Significant matches and their impact on ireland's 2018 ranking

The year 2018 was dominated by the remaining fixtures of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification campaign, which were pivotal for ireland women's football rankings 2018. Ireland was drawn in a challenging Group 3 alongside European giants like the Netherlands and Norway, both significantly higher ranked. Key matches in 2018 included:

• April 6, 2018: Netherlands 2-1 Republic of Ireland. Despite a narrow loss to the reigning European champions, Ireland put in a brave performance, showcasing their defensive solidity.
• April 10, 2018: Republic of Ireland 0-2 Norway. Another defeat to a top-tier team, but valuable experience gained against world-class opposition.
• August 31, 2018: Republic of Ireland 4-0 Northern Ireland. A convincing victory at home, demonstrating their capability against regional rivals and securing crucial ranking points.
• September 4, 2018: Norway 1-0 Republic of Ireland. A tight encounter that saw Ireland hold strong for much of the game, indicating tactical improvements.
• October 9, 2018: Poland 1-0 Republic of Ireland (Friendly). While a friendly, it was another test against a respectable European opponent, contributing to the ranking points accumulation.

The state of irish women's football development and league in 2018

Beyond the national team's international fixtures, the domestic structure played a critical role in nurturing talent for ireland women's football rankings 2018. The Women's National League (WNL), established in 2011, continued to serve as the premier competition for female footballers in Ireland. In 2018, clubs like Peamount United, Shelbourne, and Wexford Youths were prominent, developing players who would go on to represent the national team. While the WNL was semi-professional at best, it provided a competitive platform. Key players from this period, such as captain Katie McCabe (who played for Arsenal), Denise O'Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), and Louise Quinn (Arsenal at the time), were often playing abroad in professional leagues, highlighting both the talent pool and the need for more professional opportunities within Ireland. The FAI was also making efforts in grassroots development, aiming to increase participation rates among young girls, which is a long-term strategy for improving the national team's strength and, consequently, future FIFA rankings. The period was marked by calls for increased investment in player pathways, coaching, and facilities to bridge the gap with more advanced footballing nations.

Challenges faced and the path forward after 2018

Despite the dedication of players and staff, Irish women's football in 2018 faced significant challenges that impacted their ability to climb higher in the international rankings. Funding was a perennial issue, affecting everything from player welfare and facilities to international travel arrangements. The disparity in resources compared to male counterparts and other European women's teams was stark. Media coverage, though gradually improving, was still limited, hindering public awareness and potential sponsorship opportunities. The semi-professional status of the domestic league meant that many talented players had to move abroad to pursue full-time careers, sometimes at the expense of developing a strong, cohesive national league. Looking beyond 2018, the path forward involved several key areas: advocating for increased FAI and government funding, striving for greater professionalization of the WNL, enhancing youth development pathways, and securing more consistent media attention. The experiences and rankings of ireland women's football rankings 2018 served as a crucial benchmark, highlighting both progress and the significant work still needed to achieve sustained success on the world stage, laying the groundwork for their eventual qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.