Why Arsenal’s Katie McCabe missed out on a hat-trick for Ireland against Belgium | OneFootball

Katie McCabe (#11 Rep of Ireland) during the UEFA Women’s Nations League match between Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland at Aviva Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland. (Danilo Fernandes/SPP)

Katie McCabe was very close to scoring a hat-trick for Ireland in their 4-2 win against Belgium in the UEFA Women’s Nations League on Friday.

But after opening her account for the evening with a penalty, her second goal ended up being awarded as an own goal against the Red Flames goalkeeper Nicky Evrard.

McCabe had taken a shot from range and after striking the woodwork it hit the goalkeeper’s back, rebounding into the net.

That goal put Ireland 2-1 up on the night, after Tessa Wullaert had equalised for Belgium, and eight minutes later, McCabe added a third.

Marissa Sheva scored a fourth for Carla Ward’s side in the 66th minute, and although Marie Detruyer’s effort eight minutes from time gave the visitors some hope, the hosts held out for victory in the first leg of their promotion play-off.

But player of the match McCabe said afterwards that she wasn’t too disheartened to miss out on the hat-trick.

“I’m not worried about the hat-trick at all,” she said in a press conference. “As long as it went in, that was the key for me. Her starting position off the line was quite high, so I just thought I’d have a go, and delighted to see it hit the back of the net, and another goal in front.

“So maybe the hat-trick another time!”

Katie McCabe: The most important thing was winning the game

The Arsenal defender also reflected on her childhood memories of Lansdowne Road before it became the Aviva Stadium.  She was born in a suburb of Dublin, so playing in the city is special to her. Indeed, Ireland have played five games at the Aviva Stadium, and McCabe has played every single minute of each of them.

“As a kid I grew up watching Robbie Keane score hat-tricks and Damien Duff down the wing, when it was Lansdowne Road originally, so to do it here today was really special,” she added, “and as I said, in front of the fans giving them something back for braving the cold tonight, and very proud to have my family in the crowd as well.

“But for me the most important thing was just winning the game.”