McCabe had ‘goosebumps’ after late Larkin winner

Abbie Larkin’s 90th-minute winner for the Republic of Ireland promoted the Republic of Ireland to League A in the Nations League, according to Katie McCabe, who described her experience as “goosebumps.”

After the first leg, Carla Ward’s side, which had been influenced by captain McCabe, led 4-2, but Tessa Wullaert’s two goals ended the two-goal lead.

The Republic of Ireland won 5-4 on aggregate after the game appeared to have reached extra time when Larkin scored in the 90th minute.

It’s unbelievable to score winners like that. Even talking about it makes me feel goosebumps, McCabe told RTE.

They are “big, big moments,” he said.

In the 2027 World Cup qualifying, Larkin’s goal gave the Irish a direct chance to reclaim League A and earn a play-off spot.

The 20-year-old forward’s breakthrough moment came when she made her 2022 debut by making an impact play.

“Larko has spent some time with and around us.” She has really grown and matured over the past few years, McCabe continued. She has been fantastic for Palace.

McCabe won her 100th cap in Leuven on a night to celebrate.

She also made her 50th appearance in a game that ended in defeat for the opposing team.

The 30-year-old expressed her desire to become the eighth woman to achieve the feat for the Republic of Ireland, but her main focus was on the WSL match between her club side Arsenal and Leicester City over the weekend.

“My full focus is back on my club, but we’ll enjoy the celebrations in the changing room.”

“Of course, I’ll enjoy the experience with the staff and the girls.” I’m extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished. It holds a lot of significance.

Irish manager Ward praised her players all the more, saying that the goals conceded, while being “disappointing,” weren’t mentioned in the half-time team discussion.

She stated that the main questions were about how to make improvements, how to change their system, and how to make players believe.

“We needed to have some faith, and we needed to go.” Ward told RTE Sport, “It was a happy, calm half-time, and the reaction was fantastic.

The girls “deserve a lot of credit” for digging in and doing so.

The Irish, who qualified against the Euro 2025 champions England, France, and Sweden, are now in a top tier position.

Ward says she wants to see more top-notch opponents when the draw is conducted so they can continue to improve.

She said, “We want to compete against better teams and have shown that we can do so.”

We want to put ourselves in the shoes of others. Playing against the best only leads to better results.