Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Ward is aiming to lead Republic of Ireland to their second successive Women's World Cup
Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward says beating France on Tuesday, to qualify automatically for the 2027 Women's World Cup, would "be one of the biggest stories in world football".
The Irish go into their final game second in Group A2, a point behind leaders France with only the winners of the group qualifying automatically for next year's tournament in Brazil.
Ward's side have already secured a seeded play-off in the autumn but could defy the odds by becoming the first fourth seeds in League A to top a group, a feat the Republic of Ireland manager thinks deserves huge recognition.
"No matter what happens this group can be incredibly proud of what we've achieved so far and it's important we don't lose sight of that," she said.
"Of course we want to go and win the game. How big it would be? I think you would all agree it would be one of the biggest stories in world football.
"No pot four team stays in League A let alone wins three games and wins the group. We've written our own records and this would be the biggest one, no doubt about it."
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The positive momentum generated from those two results rolled into June and they showed great resilience to beat Netherlands 3-2 at a rain-soaked Cork on Friday to set up the winner takes all showdown with France in Grenoble.
While Ward always felt that they could aim higher than a third place finish which would see them remain in the top tier and secure a play-off, she is pleased her side have followed through and put themselves in this position.
"Everyone called it the group of death but we saw it as an opportunity for this group to show what they're about," she added.
"The group deserve an awful lot of credit because they're showing it in abundance."
Ward acknowledges that Republic of Ireland come into this game as huge underdogs, given that Les Bleues have a stacked squad, but her side have "nothing to lose and everything to gain" with France under pressure to win at home.
"I expect the French to come after us but I don't think they will underestimate us, they were really respectful when we played them last time. We have to manage every moment so we'll leave no stone unturned.
"The pressure is off and I mean it when I say it, there is a real calm and a real focus on the game. The processes stay the same and nothing will change."
Sources: BBC Sport
