In an electrifying performance at Dublin’s Tallaght Stadium, Katie McCabe delivered a hat-trick and masterminded both of Kyra Carusa’s goals, propelling the Republic of Ireland to a commanding 5-1 victory over Albania in Women’s Nations League action.
While Megi Doci briefly stunned the home crowd with an equalizer that nullified McCabe’s initial score, the Arsenal sensation struck back with a deflected shot, restoring the Irish lead to 2-1 as the teams headed into the break.
McCabe then switched roles, showcasing her playmaking prowess by orchestrating a pair of goals for striker Kyra Carusa in the 56th and 59th minutes.
Nine minutes shy of the final whistle, McCabe punctuated her tour-de-force display by sealing her hat-trick.
In a historic side note, Diane Caldwell wore the captain’s armband for the match, becoming only the seventh Irish female international to reach the century mark in caps. This came as regular captain McCabe was relieved of the role for the match by interim manager Eileen Gleeson.
Irish Maintain Perfect Streak
The win perpetuates the Republic of Ireland’s flawless run in Group One of League B, building on their earlier victories over Northern Ireland and Hungary, each by sizable margins.
The Irish squad, managed by Gleeson, is set to continue their winning quest in a return match against Albania scheduled for next Tuesday.
Gleeson’s tactical arrangement allowed McCabe to focus her energy on the offensive end, deploying Izzy Atkinson and Abbie Larkin as wing-backs to provide defensive cover.
Moments of Uncertainty, But Class Prevails
Although the Republic’s lineup displayed a few moments of positional uncertainty in the first half, especially when Albania’s Megi Doci and the skillful Qendresa Krasniqi got their hands on the ball, the home team’s superior skill was evident.
Only four minutes into the contest, McCabe showcased her elite talent by deftly controlling a low cross from Larkin and slotting it past Albania’s goalkeeper, Viona Rexhepi.
The visitors, lagging far behind the Irish in the FIFA rankings, managed to level the score when Doci unleashed a magnificent volley past Courtney Brosnan, courtesy of a long cross from Arbenita Curraj.
Caldwell almost celebrated her 100th cap with a bang, her ambitious shot rattling the crossbar. However, McCabe restored the lead soon after with a long-range shot that took an unexpected twist off Albanian defender Alma Hilaj, leaving Rexhepi floundering.
Second Half: No Looking Back
Post half-time, Ireland appeared to shake off their early jitters. McCabe narrowly missed another goal, and Louise Quinn’s header was only just snatched on the line by a determined Rexhepi.
The game’s third goal materialized when McCabe intercepted an Albanian corner kick, sprinted past a couple of defenders, and served up a gift for Carusa to loft over a helpless Rexhepi.
The McCabe-Carusa duo struck again just three minutes later, this time with McCabe sending a pinpoint cross for the U.S.-based striker to head home.
Rounding off her standout performance, McCabe bent a beautiful shot into the net from the edge of the box in the 81st minute, following a brief set-piece from Sinead Farrelly.
By the Numbers
In terms of match statistics, the home team dominated possession with 63% to Albania’s 37%. The Irish also led in shots with a whopping 27 to Albania’s meager 4. Shots on target also favored the home side, 13 to 1, while corners and fouls were 11 to 3 and 12 to 10, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Katie McCabe Hat-trick
Who scored a hat-trick in the Republic of Ireland’s 5-1 victory over Albania?
Katie McCabe was the star of the show, scoring a hat-trick for the Republic of Ireland in their dominant win over Albania in the Women’s Nations League match at Tallaght Stadium.
Who else scored for the Republic of Ireland in the match?
Kyra Carusa netted the other two goals for the Republic of Ireland, both of which were set up by Katie McCabe.
What was significant about Diane Caldwell’s participation in the match?
Diane Caldwell was handed the captain’s armband for this specific match, marking her 100th cap for the Republic of Ireland’s women’s national team. She became the seventh female player to achieve this milestone for the Republic of Ireland.
Did Albania manage to score a goal?
Yes, Megi Doci scored an equalizing goal for Albania shortly after Katie McCabe’s initial goal, but that was the only score Albania managed during the game.
What is the Republic of Ireland’s current standing in Group One of League B?
With this win, the Republic of Ireland maintains a 100% winning record in Group One of League B in the Women’s Nations League.
What was the tactical formation deployed by interim manager Eileen Gleeson?
Eileen Gleeson opted for a formation that allowed Katie McCabe to primarily focus on attacking. Izzy Atkinson and Abbie Larkin were deployed in wing-back roles to cover defensively.
Were there any moments when Albania looked threatening?
Yes, especially in the first half, players like Megi Doci and Qendresa Krasniqi occasionally looked dangerous in possession for Albania, although these moments were relatively rare.
What were the match statistics like?
The Republic of Ireland dominated the game in terms of statistics. They held 63% of possession to Albania’s 37%. The Irish side also had 27 shots compared to Albania’s 4, with 13 of those being on target for the Republic and only 1 for Albania.
When is the reverse fixture between the Republic of Ireland and Albania scheduled?
The reverse fixture is scheduled for the following Tuesday night, where the Republic of Ireland will travel to Albania.
Who was the regular captain of the Republic of Ireland women’s team?
The regular captain for the Republic of Ireland women’s team is Katie McCabe, but she was relieved of captaincy duties for this match to allow Diane Caldwell to mark her 100th cap.
More about Katie McCabe Hat-trick
- Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team Official Page
- Women’s Nations League Official Site
- Arsenal Women’s Team
- FIFA Women’s World Rankings
- Diane Caldwell’s Career Stats
- Albania Women’s National Football Team
- Kyra Carusa’s Career Highlights
- Tallaght Stadium Information
- Group One of League B Standings
- Women’s Football Statistics
