Vera Pauw: 'We want to stay fresh, sharp, happy and hungry right up to it'

Pauw feels she’s perfected the art of juggling workload, periodisation and downtime over the coming weeks as the countdown intensifies.

BALANCING ACT: Republic of Ireland Manager Vera Pauw believes she has a good balance for her side in the build up to the World Cup. Pic: Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Complete with battle-cry from the men’s golden vintage, Vera Pauw is zoning in on emulating Jack Charlton by putting Ireland on a different World Cup map.

Months and weeks have dissolved since Ireland sealed a first-ever women’s tournament qualification and so have her fringe players.