Vera Pauw predicts 2023 World Cup berth for Ireland after Euro agony

There was a strong indication here that Pauw would find it hard to walk away from this project after the highs and lows of recent times

Ireland manager Vera Pauw during the loss to Germany. Picture: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Vera Pauw has predicted that only a disastrous qualifying draw will stop the Republic of Ireland from qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.

Pauw took charge just before the side's second game of the Euro 2022 qualifiers, at home to Ukraine, and her side came agonisingly close to booking a play-off spot in Group I which wrapped up tonight with a 3-1 loss at home to Germany.