Chloe Mustaki has said that making the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 would mean ‘a hell of a lot.’
Mustaki was speaking after Ireland had narrowly lost to France at Stade des Alpes after a magnificent goal from Melvine Malard opened the scoring. Carla Ward’s charges fought hard for a leveller that never came.
That result means The Girls in Green are headed for the play offs but with their heads held high. Their improvements this campaign are undeniable, with the Nottingham Forest defender being a crucial cog in the machine of Irish progress.
After the match, Chloe Mustaki spoke to the press in the mix zone and The Halfway Line was there to hear from her.
Mustaki says the back three formation has helped ‘make the most of my strengths’
In the past twelve months, Chloe Mustaki’s career has been rejuvenated by regular game time and a shift in position to left centre back. Her fine form for club and country in her new role was justly rewarded with inclusion in the Barclays Women’s Super League 2 Team of the Season with Nottingham Forest.
The Halfway Line asked Mustaki if she prefers playing in a back three or a back four,
“It’s a great question. I think 12 months ago I would have seen myself as more of a full back” Mustaki openly explained. “But I’ve really developed into a left sided centre back and ideally left of a three because it allows me to play that hybrid role.
“I think that’s why it suits particularly in this team because it allows Katie to get higher and to be that skilful player that she is and that maybe she doesn’t get to express as much when she’s in the WSL.
“So we complement each other really well in that sense but it’s hard to tell. I enjoy both formations but I think playing on the left of a back three has really allowed me to make the most of my strengths. So we’ll see what the next season brings and what the next 12 months brings.”
France were ‘different gravy’ says Chloe Mustaki
Ireland fought hard against France and created a number of chances that on another day might have seen the Girls in Green come away with a result. However the French class showed, Chloe Mustaki gave us her thoughts immediately after the match,
“A bit gutted to be honest” Mustaki reflected. “I think after the performance on Friday night we had a lot of hope going into this final game. But it’s a privilege to be in this position and I think despite finishing where we did in the group it gives us a lot of hope going into the playoffs.
“I think coming up against two massive nations and making them really, really work hard is a testament to not only the work we’ve done in this campaign but the work in the past year, year and a half under Carla.
“It’s positive, obviously it’s difficult to take but I think everyone could see France were different gravy tonight and we did our best to match that.
“But it just wasn’t our night and on a different night the chances that we had end up in the back of the net but it wasn’t to be tonight.”
In the first 20 minutes France went for it, giving Ireland no time on the ball, Mustaki was asked just how difficult the first half was,
“Both halves are pretty hard I’m not going to lie” Mustaki candidly admitted. “But still, they didn’t break us down, it took an absolute wonder goal for them to see out the game and win.
“So it’s a testament to how solid we are defensively and how disciplined we are. Every nation absolutely hates coming up against us so that will stand to us in the playoffs in October, November time. So we just need to keep building and hopefully everyone’s fit coming into those games.”
Chloe Mustaki ‘grateful’ for ‘massive twelve months’
One of the biggest turning points in Ireland’s form under Ward was the revelation of playing Chloe Mustaki at left centre back. Carla Ward has said that she has provided ‘balance’ to the left side of the Irish defence, Mustaki was asked how it feels to be such a crucial part of this exciting team,
“Yeah, I think coming to the end of my club season this year and just looking back on what’s been a massive 12 months for me: and I’m really grateful” Mustaki reflected. “I think my first pro season without a long-term injury, as I said a few weeks ago, is huge.
“I just need to be grateful that I’m here and that I’m still fit and healthy and long may that continue. But we’re a very competitive squad so everyone’s pushing each other to be better so when we come into camp we really have to be at it because everyone’s chomping at the bit which is a great place to be.
“So even on Friday night, the girls that came on changed the game for us and that squad depth is going to be massively important if we want to make it to Brazil next summer. For me, I’m delighted that Carla has given me the opportunity and hopefully that will continue.”
Making the World Cup in Brazil would mean ‘a hell of a lot’ says Mustaki
Mustaki has been exceptionally unlucky with injuries in the past few years. This season at Nottingham Forest was her first full professional season in the UK where she avoided injury.
That consistency told, as it has for a number of other in the squad like Aoife Mannion and Marissa Sheva. Mustaki was asked what playing regularly means to her,
“It just gives me confidence that I can play and belong at this level” Mustaki explained. “I think when I made the move over to the UK a few years ago, every season has been blighted by a tough injury and I kept getting pushed back.
“But I know within me what I have and if I just have the opportunity to keep building for a few seasons, I’m excited to where that might take me. I’ve just got to relish the opportunities I’m given and work hard and hopefully stay within the fray and the eleven if possible.
Finally, Mustaki was asked what making the World Cup in Brazil would mean to her,
“A hell of a lot” she earnestly replied. “I think for the last World Cup I just about made it coming back from an injury. It was amazing to make that plane but I never set foot on the pitch, so to be able to go this time and play a part would mean a lot to me.
“It would likely be my last World Cup as well so it would mean a huge amount to me. But I just need to take it one game at a time and the most important thing for me is staying fit and healthy.”
