Uefa plans could make future qualification more difficult for Ireland

CONCERNED: Ireland manager Vera Pauw during a Republic of Ireland women squad announcement at Sky Ireland Headquarters in Dublin. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Savour this dalliance with major women’s tournament qualification, for Vera Pauw fears it will be the last if Uefa’s brains trust proceed with a radical format shift.

With Ireland a win from sealing a World Cup playoff by beating Finland at sold-out Tallaght next week, it would be natural for the coach to be absorbing the feelgood factor.