Equal treatment from the FAI played a part in victory - Mustaki

Chloe Mustaki paid tribute to the Republic of Ireland players who campaigned and fought for fair treatment from the FAI five years ago, after Vera Pauw's side secured their place in the 2023 World Cup.

Ireland edged 1-0 past Scotland in Glasgow thanks to a goal by Katie McCabe in the 72nd minute to reach their first ever World Cup finals.

Qualification comes fives year after the international women’s team threatened to strike over grievances, such as the lack of proper kit and equipment and of remuneration.

Concessions were hard won by the players back then and Mustaki believes their efforts played a major part in Ireland’s qualification success.

"It was a mixture of emotions to be honest," she told RTÉ Sport. "There were obviously a lot of nerves we were trying to contain before the game, it was such a big moment.

"You think back to the game against Ukraine and how we missed out so narrowly and the feelings that we all felt afterwards, but I think we all had a good feeling on the day yesterday.

"It’s absolute relief afterwards, it was years and years in the making. Not only the squad of 30-odd players that are here and the staff that are here, but so many more girls who were involved in this campaign and that came before us and fought for everything that we have today."

In August of 2021, the FAI announced that both women's and men's international teams have agreed a deal with the FAI to receive equal pay. For Mustaki, the support and backing that the team now receive from the FAI is instrumental.

"We’ve always had that talent in Ireland over the last five plus years but it’s really having the backing of the FAI which has really helped up off the field," she said.

"That goes a long way, having the resources, having everything