Vera Pauw's World Cup optimism tempered by seedings woe

Three successive defeats, two against Germany and the Kiev killer, will damage their seeding

Katie McCabe of Republic of Ireland following the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 qualifier. Picture: Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile

Perhaps the feelgood factor of an honourable defeat to Germany on Tuesday convinced Vera Pauw to be so upbeat about Ireland’s World Cup qualification prospects, for the reality is somewhat different.

Last month’s 1-0 loss in Ukraine, rather than the latest 3-1 reverse to the Germans, proved to be Ireland's downfall in their quest to bank a play-off for the European Championships.