Ireland denied legitimate winner against China, as massive USA matches confirmed

The footballing Gods giveth with one hand and taketh away with the other.

Vera Pauw's Ireland side drew 0-0 with China at at Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Algeciras, Spain, this afternoon. They were denied what looked to be a clear and easy goal in the second half of their World Cup warm-up. Ireland got their first proper test of 2023 when facing off against a China side that will be in England's World Cup group, in Australia and New Zealand, this summer. The match was short of clear-cut scoring chances but Ireland had the most to be aggrieved about when Katie McCabe swung in a free-kick from the right wing.  Louise Quinn was one of two Irish players looking to get a touch on the cross but the ball went in off China goalkeeper Xu Huan. As Ireland reeled off in celebration, a whistle was blown for a foul on the China No.1 but it was a harsh call. Replays showed there was minimal contact with Xu Huan. https://twitter.com/RTEsoccer/status/1628401677731565568

Ireland line up USA double-header

China had a goal ruled out, too, for handball while the women in green gave out debuts to Aoife Mannion, Deborah-Anne De La Harpe and Marissa Sheva against a side ranked 14th in the world. Earlier in the day, it was confirmed the Irish team would play a double-header of friendlies against the USA, in April. Vera Pauw will bring her squad to the United States for a 10-day camp and play the reigning world champions on April 8 (Austin, Texas) and April 11 (St Louis, Missouri). The USA are ranked No.1 in the world so it will be a stern test for Ireland in the lead-up to their first ever World Cup. They are also scheduled to play Zambia, on June 22, and France, on July 6, before setting off for the tournament. Related articles:

• Ireland to take on France in big Tallaght Stadium send-off before World Cup
• Ireland set for 82,000-seat World Cup opener as Arsenal reject huge Katie McCabe bid
• All the big sporting events happening in Irish women's sport this year and how to watch them

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