'Some of the most incredible things come from experiences like that'

A DEVASTATED Kyra Carusa is hopeful Ireland can respond to Tuesday’s heartbreaking in the best fashion possible. Four years ago, the Irish team were in a similar boat when a loss to Ukraine effectively ended their hopes of reaching the Euros when a win would have significantly boosted their chances of qualifying. They responded to that setback by defeating Scotland against the odds two years later and qualifying for a first-ever World Cup finals.

Carusa is optimistic that a similarly positive scenario can eventually come from this difficult moment. “I know it’s like anything in life it’s something that will change you and help you move forward,” the striker said of the demoralising loss. “I can’t help but try to remind myself how it was in Ukraine and losing that game, being in that locker room and taking those flights home thinking that was truly devastating and unjust.

“Football is football but it just didn’t feel right. And then to see everything we have done and what we have accomplished, the greatness that came from that I’d say stems a lot from that [disappointment]. “You are just trying to remind yourself of that and it’s okay in this moment that it’s not the easiest thing to do but eventually it will be.

“Some of the most incredible things come from experiences like that — a lot of us were in that locker room and a part of that team.” Eileen Gleeson and the coaching staff echoed this message as the team congregated amid emotional scenes.