BBC Sport NI's Nicola McCarthy at Stade des Alpes: "Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward kicked every ball with her side on Friday night against the Netherlands and it is no different tonight.

A former midfielder herself, she is again striding up and down her technical area, giving instruction as she goes with just over half an hour on the clock.

The celebrations at full-time were something to behold on Friday, let's hope we see similar scenes in Grenoble at the conclusion of this one!"

Kyra Carusa is released down the right hand side as she travels forward with the ball before crossing into a dangerous area.

The Kansas City Current player crosses low and hard with her right foot, but the ball is too close with Constance Picaud-Inconnu who gathers routinely.

Referee Desiree Blanco dishes out the first yellow card of the evening as Delphine Cascarino is cautioned for a late challenge on Katie McCabe.

Sandy Baltimore strikes high and wide after a swift attach by Les Bleues.

Melvine Malard plays Delphie Cascarino through down the right, with her shot blocked before Baltimore fires over moments later.

That's a bit of a let off for the Republic of Ireland with France squandering a good opportunity.

Katie McCabe swings a free-kick in from the right with her left foot, but France goalkeeper Constance Picaud-Inconnu is sharp off her line and gathers the ball routinely.

The visitors are enjoying more of the ball in the last five minutes and are causing the hosts a few problems, but are yet to create any clear-cut chances.

BBC Sport NI's Nicola McCarthy at Stade des Alpes: "And it wouldn't be Irish support if they weren't making their voices heard too!

There is a pocket of Ireland fans at the North East corner of this stadium, who from my vantage point are against a beautiful mountainous backdrop, who are in fine voice already.

The supporters were absolutely key to the team on Friday night in Cork and although much smaller in number in France tonight, they will no doubt give it all they've got to spur on the girls in green as they go on the hunt for another famous victory."

Lauren McCann
BBC Sport NI

It's been a tough opening to the game for Republic of Ireland, who have been penned in but they have just started to find a foothold in the game.

Like against the Netherlands, they will happily defend deep for large periods and hit France on the break.

The visitors are enjoying a brief spell of possession inside the French half, getting the ball down and passing it about for the first time this evening.

Although they are yet to create an opportunity, the Republic of Ireland are beginning to settle.

Les Bleues' early dominance continues, with the Republic of Ireland struggling to get out of their own half in the opening quarter of the first half.

BBC Sport NI's Nicola McCarthy at Stade des Alpes: "The French fans have certainly made their voices heard here at the foot of the Alps.

The conditions are perfect for a game of football, nice and mild.

Can the Republic of Ireland make history tonight and book their place in back-to-back World Cups?

It will be a tall order, there is no doubt, but after that 3-2 win over the Netherlands on Friday evening confidence couldn't be any higher!"

Courtney Brosnan is called into another save, this time denying Melvine Malard from an acute angle.

The Manchester United striker has been prolific this season, but can't find a way past Brosnan on this occasion.

France continue their early dominance and look sharp.

The Republic of Ireland are defending astutely so far, but are already under a lot of pressure.

Bright start from Les Bleues with multiple opportunities created already.

Sandy Baltimore looks lively early on, with France captain Grace Geyoro also forcing Courtney Brosnan into an early save.

Lauren McCann
BBC Sport NI

The Republic of Ireland players were grinning at the end of Amhran na bhFiann, they are relishing this occasion and chance to create more history.

Carla Ward said in the build-up all the pressure is on France but the Irish will be keen to pull off another big shock as they did on Friday.

We're under way at the Stade des Alpes for the final World Cup qualifier of Group A2.

Could tonight become another historic night in Irish football?

Stay with us to find out!

Some more from Irish boss Carla Ward: "Everyone called it the group of death but we saw it as an opportunity for this group to show what they're about.

"The group deserve an awful lot of credit because they're showing it in abundance.

"I expect the French to come after us but I don't think they will underestimate us, they were really respectful when we played them last time. We have to manage every moment so we'll leave no stone unturned.

"The pressure is off and I mean it when I say it, there is a real calm and a real focus on the game. The processes stay the same and nothing will change."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward says beating France tonight, to qualify automatically for the 2027 Women's World Cup, would "be one of the biggest stories in world football".

The Irish go into their final game second in Group A2, a point behind leaders France with only the winners of the group qualifying automatically for next year's tournament in Brazil.

Ward's side have already secured a seeded play-off in the autumn but could defy the odds by becoming the first fourth seeds in League A to top a group, a feat the Republic of Ireland manager thinks deserves huge recognition.

"No matter what happens this group can be incredibly proud of what we've achieved so far and it's important we don't lose sight of that," she said.

"Of course we want to go and win the game. How big it would be? I think you would all agree it would be one of the biggest stories in world football.

"No pot four team stays in League A let alone wins three games and wins the group. We've written our own records and this would be the biggest one, no doubt about it."

Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan believes their 3-2 win over Netherlands showed they can "put in performances against big nations" as they prepare for a winner takes all game against France in their final group game.

Carla Ward's side are aiming to reach a second successive Women's World Cup and have already secured a seeded play-off place in the autumn for next year's tournament in Brazil.

But a victory over France in Grenoble would see them top Group A2 and qualify automatically for the tournament, with Brosnan upbeat about her side's chances of beating Les Bleues after their shock win in Cork over the Dutch on Friday.

"Getting the win against Netherlands was massive for us and gives us the confidence we can put in the performances against big nations," she said.

"League A is where you want to be but being in League A, the quality of the teams is right at the top. It's been unbelievable what we've been able to do to be in this position."

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Republic of Ireland midfielder Ruesha Littlejohn says there is "belief" they can get the win they need against France in Grenoble to send them through to next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Friday's 3-2 victory over the Netherlands in Cork leaves Carla Ward's side second in Group A2, one point behind the French and with their destiny for direct qualification firmly in their own hands as they prepare for a winner takes all game at Stade des Alpes.

France were 2-1 winners when the sides met in the opening game of qualifying at Tallaght Stadium back in March when a Melvine Malard double saw Les Bleues fight back after Katie McCabe gave the Irish an early lead.

Littlejohn, who won her 94th cap against the Dutch on Friday, is fully aware of the task at hand, but insists "every team has their strengths and weaknesses".

"We're going into the game as underdogs, but we believe in our squad and will try to make it as difficult as possible," said the 35-year-old.

"Playing France, we're going to make it competitive. Hopefully we can score a goal and limit their chances, but they're a world-class team with world-class players, so we know they have plenty of threats.

"We played them at Tallaght [Stadium] and know how good they can be, so we'll look at the tactics and be raring to go."

Littlejohn, who plays her club football with Crystal Palace, feels the strength of the Republic of Ireland squad is a major factor why they find themselves just 90 minutes away from direct qualification.

"There's such a belief within the group," she added.

"We're looking to limit the goals we are conceding but it's great when you concede and score more.

"We believe in the group we've got and have people who can come in and do a role which is really important in the stage of development we are in."