August 3 – Ireland’s Football Association (FAI) won’t be rushed into a decision about the future of women’s coach Vera Pauw (pictured), saying that they will “undertake a full and comprehensive review of the campaign and tournament, as is our standard practice, and this will be discussed at the next FAI board meeting in the coming weeks”.
The Irish debuted at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand but lost their first two matches against co-hosts Australia and the Olympic champions Canada before drawing with Nigeria to get their first point ever at the final. The debutants were spirited but still fell short on the biggest stage.
Before the finals the FAI decided not to offer Pauw a new contract leading to speculation over her position. Her contract runs out at the end of August. Pauw indicated that this was not the end of the road for her with Ireland.
Ireland’s first participation in the finals has stirred emotions in Ireland with big audiences watching the team’s matches which were also attended by thousands of fans in Australia.
Player Amber Barret wrote on Instagram: “Difficult to describe the feeling and emotions I’ve had over the last few weeks. I can personally say I’m disappointed with our swift exit and my personal lack of game time. But that’s football. Looking back on it now, I can say I’m immensely proud to have represented Ireland at a World Cup, something I didn’t really think was going to be a realistic achievement in my life.”
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