Preview: Irish spirits high for Stockholm examination

It's over to Stockholm for Sweden versus the Republic of Ireland Part 2 in the Euro 2025 qualifiers.

The Girls in Green took some positives from last Friday night's 3-0 defeat to the world No 6-ranked Swedes at the Aviva Stadium - chiefly the quality of the chances they made.

Eileen Gleeson started with two up top for the first time this year and that all-action pair of Amber Barrett and Kyra Carusa took the visitors by surprise in an aggressive, high-pressing opening half.

Lily Agg should have put Ireland ahead when she snatched at a glorious opportunity, while Barrett's headed effort to equalise lacked composure and belief. The Donegal striker was honest enough afterwards to assess: "If we want to be considered a League A team we need to be taking chances against League A teams."

She is, unquestionably, correct.

Ireland have lost alll three qualifiers and have yet to score but it would be unfair to say they are regressing. The Girls in Green are simply coming up against the best of the best; a trio of super sides.

France, England and Sweden are all ranked inside the world's top six and not only routinely qualify for major tournaments; once they get there, they're usually in the mix come the business end of the knockout stages.

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While Agg and Barrett squandered big opportunties, Fridalina Rolfo - who won her second Champions League with Barcelona a few weeks ago - underscored the difference in class with a beautifully taken effort.

The excellent Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, a