'There will probably be nastiness' - Vera Pauw ready for US reception

Ireland will take on the world champions in April. 

22 February 2023; Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw speaks to Sky Sports after the international friendly match between China PR and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Algeciras, Spain. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Vera Pauw expects nastiness and potential booing when she returns to the US in April but says it’s a sacrifice worth paying for Ireland facing the world champions.

The Dutchwoman was one of the six coaches recently sanctioned by the National Women’s Soccer League for incidents arising during her time as head coach of Houston Dash in 2018, a club located just 160 miles from the Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas where the first of the double-header takes place on April 8.