While Denise O’Sullivan had gone close in the opening minutes, bending an effort just beyond the far post, Republic of Ireland were forced to endure a largely frustrating opening half hour.

Julie-Ann Russell had a header tipped over the bar, while Abbie Larkin saw her shot creep wide after a teasing ball from McCabe.

The opening goal, though, was proving elusive.

The belated breakthrough came when Larkin’s cross appeared to brush the hand of Nino Chkhartishvili before Natia Danelia needlessly lunged towards the ball with her arm.

While the Georgian players argued the case with the officials, there could be no doubt that the second touch warranted a penalty.

From the spot, McCabe scored to the keeper’s right.

Seeking an early goal in the second half, Carusa met McCabe’s free-kick but sent the ball just over the bar.

Not to be denied for long, Carusa doubled the visitor’s advantage just before the hour mark, scoring with a delightful flick off her heel that went through Tatia Gabuni’s legs.

The keeper had a moment to forget soon after when appearing to lose the flight of McCabe’s effort from just inside in the Georgian half only for the ball loop over her head and nestle in the net.

Substitute Stapleton added the fourth, nudging home a corner for a goal awarded only after a lengthy VAR check.

With that delay resulting in ten minutes of additional time, Sheva produced a fine fifth with an effort arrowed into the far corner from the edge of the box, before Mannion rounded out the scoring when nodding home McCabe’s free-kick with the final touch of the game.

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