Ireland WNT vs Zambia Preview: Now the World Cup preparations get real

This is the one and only game for those auditioning from the fringe of the team to make their mark and secure their place on the place.

HERE WE GO: Manager Vera Pauw during a Republic of Ireland women training session at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Now it gets real. More real for some than others. Vera Pauw knows the core of the squad she wants to bring to Australia for the Republic of Ireland’s first crack at a senior World Cup.

And she admitted yesterday that she has a fair idea of the XI she will put out on day one against the hosts in Sydney.