Kyra Carusa: You can't come out of a process like this untouched

Kyra Carusa has faith the Republic of Ireland will emerge from their first World Cup experience a stronger, more experienced team equipped to achieve more big things.

The Girls in Green cannot progress to the last 16 after losing their first two group games against Australia and Canada.

However, they're determined to go out on a high on Monday when they face a strong Nigeria side who are in with a real shout of reaching the knockout stage.

"You can't come out of a process like this, any of us, the staff, the fans, the country, you can’t come out of this, untouched," said California-born striker Carusa.

"It is imprinted on you for the rest of your lives, I swear. All of us are going to be here in two years and four years, and you will be sitting out here with all your phones and thinking about this moment.

"But we will all be quite different. And for the better and even the experience we gained in those first two games, Monday already feels like the start of another World Cup, you have already gained what you have in the last game.

"What an incredible opportunity! What an exciting thing, so I am excited about that, excited about this team’s future."

Carusa excelled in a strong first-half showing against the Canadians in Perth last Thursday. She gave Chelsea centre-half Kadeisha Buchanan a torrid time [Buchanan came off at half-time for Shelina Zadorsky] but couldn't embellish the display with a goal.

Ireland faded on the turnaround and ultimately fell to a heartbreaking defeat, but Carusa remains characteristically upbeat.

"Guys, I am feeling it," she said. "I know it is a lot of manifestation, being in the right place at the right time but I am feeling good about it. As a striker, when you are feeling it and feeling good about