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"It was a matter of 'when' not 'if' we scored" | McCabe on Montenegro win

Speaking in the wake of Ireland's 3-0 win over Montenegro in Euro 2021 qualification, captain Kat...



Soccer

"It was a matter of 'when' not 'if' we scored" | McCabe on Montenegro win

Speaking in the wake of Ireland's 3-0 win over Montenegro in Euro 2021 qualification, captain Katie McCabe said she always knew the Girls in Green would break through the Montenegrian defense.

McCabe said to Off The Ball that with the quality of chances Ireland were creating consistently throughout the game it was a matter of 'when', not 'if' they would score against the hosts.

"We knew coming here after the Greece game that it was always going to be tough.

"There were always going to put numbers behind the ball and they tried to frustrate us but we're just delighted that we managed to get three goals and three points.

"We can head home now top of the group," McCabe said.

Ireland's first goal came from a set-piece that was remarkably similar to the goal that sealed an important win over Greece last week - Diane Caldwell was also on the end to turn the ball in as well.

"We've got terrific girls that can head the ball and when you've got the likes of Lou [Louise Quinn] and Diane [Caldwell] it's then my job to put the ball in an area where they can get their heads on it.

"It was an exact replica of the one we scored on Thursday night but I was just happy to see the ball hit the back of the net," said Katie McCabe.

After putting the ball into the box for the first goal, McCabe then scored a stunning freekick to put the game out of reach.

The Arsenal player explained the work that she puts into practicing from dead-ball situations.

"It's something you practice again and again over a long period of time.

"I enjoy taking set-pieces, corners, free kicks, penalties and I always try to stay on top of things in training.

"It was an area that we wanted to exploit tonight and it worked," McCabe said.

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2021 European Championships FAI Ireland Katie Mccabe Montenegro