Preview: A Páirc victory lap before a defining winter

It's a long way from Kazakhstan to Cork. And a long way back from eight goals down. Some of the travelling Kazakh party were spotted in the city yesterday afternoon doing a bit of shopping and sightseeing. They're determined to make the most of the experience; though Leeside is not completely unknown territory for the visitors. Seventeen years ago, their current head coach Begaim Kirgizbaeva captained Kazakhstan against the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualifier at Turner's Cross. Fiona O'Sullivan's goal for the hosts was cancelled out by Yekaterina Krassyukova, before Stephanie Roche prodded home a late winner.