Scotland or Austria - the teams blocking Ireland's World Cup path

STAR: Erin Cuthbert of Chelsea and Scotland battles Katie McCabe of Arsenal and Ireland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Ireland’s women’s squad assume the role of spectators on Thursday night, watching on as a collective from Castleknock Hotel waiting to find out whether they’ll face Austria or Scotland in next Tuesday’s World Cup playoff final.

Both nations have what Ireland lack, namely a major tournament record, but Vera Pauw’s squad won’t be daunted by the prospect of facing either in such a high-stakes occasion.