The Republic of Ireland beat Kazakhstan 5-0 in the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play-off in Astana, with Kyra Carusa scoring twice and Chloe Mustaki, Emily Murphy and Abbie Larkin also on the scoresheet. Carusa opened the scoring with a looping header from a Mustaki cross and later added a second; Mustaki scored her first senior international goal in her 20th appearance. Emily Murphy converted a rebound to register her third international goal and Abbie Larkin headed home just before half-time. Kazakhstan were reduced to 10 players when captain Yulia Myasnikova was sent off by Norwegian referee Karoline Jensen and their goalkeeper Nazym Ismailova left injured, replaced by Angelina Portnova. Carla Ward made three substitutions at half-time, bringing on Amber Barrett, Leanne Kiernan and Tyler Toland. The return leg is scheduled for next Tuesday at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, a tie Ireland described as likely to be a formality after this result.
