Ireland to face France in Tallaght World Cup send-off

The Republic of Ireland are hoping to sell out Tallaght Stadium for their FIFA Women's World Cup farewell friendly against France after hopes of playing at the Aviva Stadium were dashed by planned redevelopment work on the pitch.

Vera Pauw's side will host the world No 5-ranked French on Thursday 6 July before heading off on their World Cup odyssey in Australia and New Zealand.

It'll be a big test for the Girls in Green against top-class opposition - France were beaten 2-1 by Germany in the semi-finals of last summer's Euros - but the clash also represents an opportunity for the players to say farewell to the fans.

The last time Ireland played on home soil was back in September, when they beat Finland 1-0 in a crucial qualifier.

A showpiece game at the Aviva Stadium has long been mooted, but it won't happen this summer.

"We did explore the possibility of hosting this game in Aviva Stadium but it was not available due to scheduled pitch redevelopment work," said FAI CEO Jonathan Hill.

"We are now aiming to sell out Tallaght Stadium for what will be the perfect way to send the Ireland team off to the World Cup."

Pauw meanwhile is embracing the chance to finetune preparations ahead of the World Cup group matches against Australia, Canada and Nigeria.

It'll be the last international window before they make the long trip Down Under. Ireland head for a training camp in Marbella later this month for a behind-closed-doors game against Germany and a friendly against China. The FAI has also confirmed there'll likely be another camp in April.

"It is fantastic that we will get to play in front of our fans in our home of Tallaght Stadium before going to Australia for the World Cup," said Pauw.

"I’d like to thank everyone at the FAI who has