A World Cup of two halves
Speculation remains rife surrounding the future of Republic of Ireland women’s football coach Vera Pauw despite a promising debut World Cup outing for her squad in Australia.
Talk of the former Dutch international’s contract renewal dominated much of the build-up to Monday’s 0-0 draw against Nigeria.
The drama intensified as reports of tension between Pauw and Ireland captain Katie McCabe surfaced after the game.
McCabe had called for fresh legs on the pitch midway through the second half of Monday’s match as Ireland struggled to keep pace with a Nigerian team who needed a win to finish top of the group or a draw to qualify from the group.
However, unlike in the previous 2 games, Pauw waited until the 84th minute to make her first substitutions of the game, bringing on Marissa Sheva and Abbie Larkin for Heather Payne and Lily Agg.
Pauw, whose contract is set to expire after the World Cup ends, had previously stated her desire to remain as the team’s coach, however reports have since surfaced of friction between her and the FAI.
There had also been some controversy surrounding Pauw’s coaching style in the lead-up to the tournament.
The unfortunate news casts a gloomy shadow on what was otherwise a World Cup debut that had plenty of positives for the Girls in Green.
Despite their status as underdogs, a resilient Ireland squad managed to mostly dominate the first half of each of their 3 games, only to lose intensity in the second period.
Their opening game against in-form co-hosts Australia was far from the formality many were expecting, ending 1-0 to the Matildas thanks to a soft penalty decision by the referee.
In their second group game, the Irish had Canada rattled from the get-go, scoring an early goal direct from a corner, and dominating the majority of the first half until Canada drew level before the break. Canada looked a different team in the second half and deservedly won 2-1 in the end.
Ireland again dominated the first 45 against Nigeria but struggled to create chances throughout the match, holding out for a 0-0 draw and picking up their first ever World Cup point.
Cork players Denise O’Sullivan and Megan Connolly featured in all 3 games and were crucial players in Ireland’s head-turning debut World Cup campaign.
O’Sullivan nearly missed the opening game against Australia due to an injury picked up in a friendly match against Columbia but was cleared before kick-off.
All eyes are now on the upcoming fixture against Northern Ireland on 22 September in the UEFA Women’s Nations League, by which time the Girls in Green may well have a new manager and a new playing style.