TYLER TOLAND REMEMBERS watching Ireland’s 2023 World Cup play-off win at home on TV.
The Donegal midfielder was exiled by Vera Pauw at the time, and in all, spent four years in the international wilderness after a public over-and-back.
Toland was immediately recalled when Eileen Gleeson took charge last year, and is in a very different position as Ireland target Euro 2025 qualification.
What would it mean to qualify for a first European Championships?
“It would mean everything, that’s the next step for this squad,” she begins.
In a personal sense, though, it’s a little different. Two years on from that historic night at Hampden Park, Toland is now part of it all as Ireland look to overcome Wales in a two-legged showdown on Friday and Tuesday.
“It was just unbelievable to see us as a country qualifying for a major tournament like that,” she reflects, “and that is where we want to get to, where we are always expected to qualify for tournaments.
“The next step is the Euros and it will be an historic night for the country and for us. That’s the end goal and we are all fully-focused on that.”
World Cup qualification surely brought mixed feelings, but Toland has no interest in getting into that. Since returning to the squad last September, she has had no desire to cover old ground or settle scores. It’s all about the future.
“Obviously now to have the opportunity to be part of the squad qualifying for a major tournament, that is all any girl wants to do, they want to be playing for their country and want to be pulling on the green shirt.
“I think football is a game of many emotions. There can be bad times, there can be good times, but it is just about sticking at it. I think it is important to be thankful for where you are and I am just really thankful to be here and really excited by what we can achieve.”
Toland is still only 23, but she has been through a lot in her young career so far.
International football aside, her club career has taken her from Sion Swifts to Manchester City, Glasgow City and Celtic to Levante in Spain. She is now thriving for Blackburn Rovers, awarded the captaincy ahead of her second season at the Championship outfit.
“I’m enjoying the role. It’s a really nice accolade to be given from the manager, it shows he really believes in me and I think this year with the club will really develop me, both as a player and as a person, to be given that extra bit of responsibility.
“I like to think I do have a mature head. I just do my best on and off the pitch to help the team as a whole. I would say I’m very approachable. I would say I’m a team player, never really want the spotlight to be just on me. Obviously operating from the middle of the pitch helps, I can talk to everyone. I’m really easy to get on with and speak to the rest of the girls. I’m enjoying the role and it is not just about me, it is about the whole team and if I can help the team gain an extra percent by leading them, that is what I would do.”
Toland is one of several club captains in the Ireland squad: Denise O’Sullivan and Niamh Fahey skipper North Carolina Courage and Liverpool respectively, while others have worn armbands in the past.
“Having so many club captains in our squad shows the standard that we are at, with players. We do have a team full of leaders and you can see that when we play and the progress we have made over the last few years.
“We have so much experience. And I have learnt from being in the squad so young, learnt from the more experienced players and that has helped me in the role.
“Denise obviously plays in the middle of the field, she is always in front of me when I play. She is a fantastic player for our country and I love playing alongside her and seeing her quality every time she steps on the pitch.”
Toland, meanwhile, is expecting a “difficult test” against Wales, who are ranked five places below Ireland in the world rankings but beat them 2-0 in a friendly in February.
“It is going to be an equal game. Whoever shows up on the night will take the prize. We do have the belief and the confidence within the dressing room that we can do it, but you can never take any team for granted.”
A World Cup with Ronaldo, Messi, Suarez etc. is always worth watching.
For the good Suarez can be I think we will be remembering for his antics more than for his football achievements. I wouldn’t use him as positive I’d rather have ibrahimavic than him.
I’ll never forgive that sc*mbag for what he did to Ghana. One of the biggest injustices ever at the World Cup. He’s a fine player, but has the moral compass of a gouger.
What he did to Ghana? Lol
If he had your attitude he would now be a postman. That game wasn’t a kick about in the park, Suarez was playing for his country and wanted to win at all costs, what he did was understandable.
While Portugal are the better team, I will miss Zlat next year. He’s a phenomenal player and always entertaining to watch.
He’s a brilliant player and I honestly think that he’s just taking the piss with the funny comments he comes out with. For example in one sentence he says the world cup won’t be good without him and then in another sentence he says the better team by far won the game. He’s just a very funny character I think and loves playing up to the camera!
Absolute hero…….we should all take a leaf out of his book.Speaks his mind and gives zero f**cks…..i will concede that earning the gazillions he does helps his devil may care attitude…..still a Legend
One thing is for certain, the World Cup would have been a better place with Ibrahimovic in it.
The World Cup is not a place it’s a tournament.
A humble chap all the same!!
is he really an arrogant pr*ck or does the media just lead him into the kind of statements? if he is so great then why not play in one of the elite leagues in Europe?
His record in Spain and Italy, goals scored and trophies collected is phenomenal. Top player, be a shame not to see him in the World Cup but as the big man said himself, Sweden were beaten by the better team.
A World Cup without Ibra is not worth watching?? I remember watching the World Cup in 2010 and it was definitely worth watching!
He should have thought of that last Friday before kick off in Lisbon.
Wont be worth watching without Ireland in it you mean :) We would have took over brazil with our green colours.Time to support mexico now