Swedish task a tall order but Vera Pauw targets Finland in World Cup qualifiers

The Republic of Ireland have been handed a tough group in the Women's World Cup qualifying campaign

30 April 2021; Republic of Ireland Women’s national team manager Vera Pauw poses for a portrait at the FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin, following the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying Draw. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Vera Pauw has targeted a runners-up finish from Ireland’s 2023 Women’s World Cup qualifying group after her side were drawn against Nordic nations Sweden and Finland in today’s draw.

As third seeds in Nyon, Ireland were hoping for some luck but will instead need to separate two of Europe’s top sides to ensure they remain in contention to reach a first-ever major tournament.