John Fallon: Ireland women deserving of their sacred standing

From Vera Pauw's viewpoint, the permutations are fairly straightforward. Record a second win over Finland on September 1 and the playoff berth is Ireland's.

Roaring home: Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw celebrates with her players in the team huddle after the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 qualifying match between Sweden and Republic of Ireland in Gothenburg, Sweden. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

“Sacramentally tangled”.

Perhaps Ireland’s women’s World Cup pool heading into the business end was best characterised by Slovakia’s manager, Peter Kopúň.