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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Mark McCadden

FAI announce November friendly as World Cup preparation begins

Ireland's World Cup preparations will begin later this month with a training camp in Marbella and a friendly in Spain against Morocco.

Vera Pauw’s side will face the North African nation on Monday November 14 (5pm Irish time, Marbella Football Centre), as part of an eight-day getaway.

They will also face the World Cup qualified outfit in a behind-closed-doors training game.

READ MORE: Lack of quality in League of Ireland is hurting Shamrock Rovers in Europe says Brian Kerr

For the Girls in Green, it marks the start of a eight-month run-in to next July’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Ireland have been handed a tough draw in Group B, alongside co-hosts Australia, Olympic gold medalists Canada and African giants Nigeria.

Pauw said: “It has been a challenge to find an opponent at such short notice, but we are really pleased that we can confirm this training camp in Marbella followed by a game against Morocco, which will represent an ideal test as we begin our World Cup preparations.

“While we would have liked to play in front of our fans, it has not been possible to find a suitable opponent for a home fixture.

“So we will have to wait until next year to thank our fans for their unbelievable support that helped us to achieve qualification to our first ever World Cup.

“We have international windows in February, April and June next year to continue our preparations for the World Cup and we are busy working on our plans around those dates.

“But, right now, we want to make the most of this camp which gives us the opportunity to see all of our players playing under the type of pressure that you only get in international football.”

The squad, which will be named tomorrow, will link up in Marbella next Monday.

Morocco have been drawn in Group H at next year’s World Cup, with Colombia, European finalists Germany and South Korea.

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