Vera Pauw's side suffered a 2-1 defeat against Canada in their second group game, and as a result, they won't be progressing past the group stages.
After the game, the disappointment was palpable among the Irish players, with several of them offering their feedback on Ireland's exit.
Sheva, the US-born attacker, became the latest Irish player to comment on the departure. Despite the exit, the Irish forward described the experience as 'incredible.'
Sheva said: “It’s been the most incredible experience. I couldn’t have imagined back in February at my first camp that I would be standing here right now. I feel so privileged and honored. I feel like I’m beaming with Irish pride. I could get emotional about it."
The Irish forward also expressed that Ireland's first World Cup won't be their last and that the team has the fundamentals to compete on the international stage in women's football.
We are so proud of you, @marissasheva!
Your determination and grit was inspiring to see on the pitch! #ThatsTheSpirit pic.twitter.com/j3LdWg8SGr— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) July 26, 2023
“This won’t be our last tournament. This won’t be our last World Cup. This is just the beginning for this team. I think we showed that we are capable of being one of the top teams in the world. Even though we haven’t gotten the results, I think you can see it. We can see it, and we can feel it."
Sheva's optimistic outlook shows that the team remains determined to improve and succeed in future tournaments.
Ireland will now face Nigeria on Monday at 11pm Irish time. Sheva mentioned that the team will approach the match with the same focus and determination as they did in the last two games, despite being eliminated, for the sake of the players and the fans.
“We’re gonna treat it just like we treated the last two games regardless of the fact that we’re now out. For the girls, for the fans."
IRELAND WNT SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Áine O'Gorman (Shamrock Rovers), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Niamh Fahey (Liverpool), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O’Riordan (Standard Liege), Chloe Mustaki (Bristol City), Izzy Atkinson (West Ham United) Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Lily Agg (London City Lionesses), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Sinead Farrelly (NY/NJ Gotham) Forwards: Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Amber Barrett (Standard Liege), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers)
