Ohn an overcast Monday at the outskirts of Brisbane, Ireland supervisor Vera Pauw pauses deep in concept – looking to recall the precise dimensions of a soccer pitch. “It’s the same 105 meters by 68 metres, the same size goalposts,” says the Dutchwoman, leaning on a fence along side Meakin Park’s coaching box.
Pauw’s Republic of Ireland aspect make their Women’s World Cup debut on Thursday. As if that second was once now not vital sufficient, Ireland’s combatants are co-hosts Australia, within the Matildas’ opening fit in their first house World Cup. The Irish gamers will stroll out to a record-breaking crowd at Stadium Australia, with lots of the 81,500 enthusiasts expecting a house victory.
But Pauw and her gamers produce other concepts. In their closing coaching consultation in camp at Football Queensland’s headquarters, ahead of the crew travels to Sydney to start ultimate arrangements, the Irish are plotting what could be an almighty disillusioned.
“We’re getting closer and closer,” says the skilled supervisor, who has in the past coached the Netherlands, Russia, South Africa and the Houston Dash. “The last dots on the ‘i’ and then we’re ready.”
With this sort of huge activity expecting, Pauw is attempting to stay point of view. Hence the pitch dimensions. “It’s not an ordinary game,” she admits. “But we have to bring it back to the tasks of the game. At the end, it’s the same pitch as what we have back home. Pitches everywhere in the world have the same dimensions – and that is what this actually is.
“But of course I’m not saying this is a normal game. It’s not a normal game.”
Ireland’s warmup was interrupted last Friday, at the same time as Australia were beating France, when a closed-door clash with Colombia was called off over concerns about rough play.
Midfield stalwart Denise O’Sullivan suffered a shin injury in the training match, with initial fears that it could prematurely end the 29-year-old’s World Cup campaign. But on Monday there were hints of optimism, with O’Sullivan shedding her moonboot and returning to light training. “We’re taking it step by step,” says Pauw.
Ireland know they are underdogs – but will take some confidence from a win over the Matildas in Dublin in September 2021. It was a sloppy performance from Australia in captain Sam Kerr’s 100th match, and reflected post-Olympics fatigue and a rotated squad. But the friendly victory shows Ireland it can be done.
“We are definitely embracing the role of being the underdogs,” says midfielder Marissa Sheva. “We know that this is a really tough group and having the opening game of the tournament against the hosts is an incredible opportunity. We’re ready to give [the Matildas] our best game – we’ve shown that we are capable of competing with the top teams in the world, and this should be no exception.”
Sheva admits that the capacity stadium – what will be the largest crowd most of the players have played before – is weighing on the team and inducing some nerves within camp. But channelling her coach, the Washington Spirit player is trying to stay focused. “It’s just another game at the end of the day,” she says, before pausing and then adding: “Only with higher stakes and a lot more people watching.”
Ireland have closely reviewed the footage of Australia’s clash against France, and Sheva says the Irish are mindful of the Matildas’ counterattacking talent. But the dynamic on Thursday evening will be different, with the Australians required to break down a compact and defensively minded Irish team.
“We play very differently to France, so it’s going to be a very different game,” Sheva says. “We have to be aware of their ability to counterattack, especially with Sam Kerr up front, but there are also going to be opportunities for us. They are going to be trying get at us, so I think we can be pretty dangerous on the counter as well – it should be exciting.”
With Ireland known for playing a back five and two holding midfielders, the Matildas may have their work cut out going forward.
“[Ireland are] a difficult running crew, they are very cast on the again," says Clare Shine, a not too long ago retired Ireland global who's in Australia to commentate for Irish tv. “They can counter groups at the counterattack – if you happen to depart areas open, they understand how to milk that.”
And even supposing lots of the stadium can be cheering for the Matildas, a sizeable cohort of Irish enthusiasts are making the adventure – with many extra cheering on from again house.
“There's a lot of Irish people out here, [and] There's four or five thousand fans flying out from Dublin," Shine says. “The whole country is behind them, and I know they're going to put on a show. Anything can happen in these kind of games.
While the hopes of Australia sit on the shoulders of the Matildas, Ireland are trying to remain relaxed and take advantage of the absence of such weighty expectations. At training on Monday, players donned jerseys from their childhood clubs for a team photo. The players have also visited a koala sanctuary in recent days, and seen some kangaroos.
“We know the pressure is not on us,” says Sheva. "The power is on them – we are going to embody that."