The Republic of Ireland made history when they qualified for the World Cup in 2023 for the first time ever. However, they were unable to progress from the group, beaten by co-hosts Australia and Canada, before drawing with Nigeria.
Three years on, Ward now has the chance to lead the team back to the biggest stage in international football.
“You’ve seen how I’ve spoken in the last two years and with immense pride in this job,” she continued.
“I’m here because I want to get to a World Cup and I think we’ve made tremendous strides and steps as a nation, and it would be the cherry on the cake, but, look we’ve got four games, four cup finals.
“We have to give everything, blood, sweat and tears. We have to leave everything out there in everything we do and if we do that, we’ve got every chance.”
The two-legged tie against Kazakhstan begins with a trip to the Astana Arena on Friday, 9 October (12:00 BST) before the return fixture in Cork four days later.
The Republic of Ireland are unbeaten at Pairc Ui Chaoimh, but Ward is taking nothing for granted against a Kazakhstan side ranked 98th in the world.
“We have to go up another level, we have to make sure that we’re performing, and we’re focused at the highest level.
“If we do that then we’ll get the job done. We’ve got an unbelievable squad that are hugely talented and they will look after each other.
“I think anyone that comes in that will know their role I think we’re really clear with what we do, what we want and how we play.”
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