Kyra Carusa believes Ireland’s difficult nights against Europe’s best have helped prepare the team for another World Cup push. Back in Denmark, the Ireland striker is also enjoying a renewed challenge with HB Køge as the Girls in Green prepare for a demanding play-off journey.
Carusa’s immediate focus is the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Kazakhstan. The first leg in Astana brings a major travel challenge, but the forward says returning to familiar surroundings in Denmark has left her in a better place physically and mentally.
Kyra Carusa finds a football home in Denmark
Carusa has returned to HB Køge after three seasons in the United States, where she played for San Diego Wave and Kansas City Current. The move represents a return to a club where she previously spent three successful years and won three Danish league titles.
Her decision was shaped by more than familiarity. After experiencing NWSL football and representing San Diego, the city where she was born, Carusa wanted to return to the intensity of European competition. HB Køge offered both a sense of belonging and the opportunity to play in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
The Danish club has also moved forward since her previous spell. HB Køge completed a domestic double for the first time and earned another place among Europe’s elite. That success brings expectation, but Carusa sees the pressure as a sign of trust.
A demanding return to the Champions League
Carusa’s first European tie of the season was a formidable meeting with Arsenal. The English side edged a close contest with a late winner, but the experience reinforced why the Ireland international wanted to return to the continental stage.
HB Køge responded strongly against Servette, recording a 5-1 victory with Carusa on the scoresheet and named Player of the Match. The performance offered an early indication that she can make an immediate impact after crossing the Atlantic again.
For Carusa, matches against clubs such as Arsenal and Barcelona are precisely the reason to compete in the Champions League. Even difficult results, she believes, can provide valuable lessons for both club and country.
Ireland sports news: Carusa sees lessons in past setbacks
Ireland’s recent progress has been built through uncomfortable experiences. During the 2024 Nations League A campaign, the team faced a succession of defeats against some of Europe’s strongest nations. Yet the players stayed together and continued to compete at the highest level.
Carusa believes that persistence has started to produce results. Ireland finished that campaign with a memorable win over France and have since added significant victories against the Netherlands and Poland.
The home victory over the Netherlands in Cork remains especially important. Carusa recalls arriving at the stadium convinced that Ireland would respond after dropping points in the earlier meeting. The belief within the squad was strengthened by difficult weather, a passionate crowd and Amber Barrett’s decisive goal.
That night has become one of Carusa’s favourite Ireland memories, replacing the emotional importance of Barrett’s goal against Scotland that helped secure qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
Learning from the Wales disappointment
The Ireland squad are also determined not to repeat the pain of the Euro 2025 play-off defeat to Wales. Carusa says the team must remember both sides of its recent history: the joy of reaching the World Cup and the disappointment of seeing a major opportunity disappear.
That balance is central to the team’s approach. Ireland must focus on the details within their control, regardless of the opposition or the setting. The next opportunity arrives against Kazakhstan, with Belgium or Poland potentially awaiting in the final.
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Leadership and the next generation
With 45 international caps, Carusa is now one of the more experienced members of the Ireland squad. She takes that responsibility seriously, particularly when helping younger players adapt to the demands of senior international football.
She has welcomed the development of players including Abbie Larkin and Emily Murphy during the current campaign. Carusa’s view is that experienced internationals must help create an environment where emerging players can grow with confidence.
The close bond within the squad has become one of Ireland’s key strengths. After almost four months without an international match, Carusa says the players are eager to return to action and build on the momentum created during qualifying.
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What comes next for Ireland?
Ireland face Kazakhstan in the 2027 Women’s World Cup play-off semi-final first leg in Astana on Friday, October 9, with kick-off scheduled for 12pm Irish time and live coverage on RTÉ 2.
The long journey will test the squad’s preparation, while the second leg will determine whether Ireland can take another step towards the World Cup. Carusa’s return to form and European football gives manager Carla Ward another experienced attacking option at a crucial stage.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
