Paul Corry: Stiff friendly tests priming Ireland for bigger stage

RTÉ soccer analyst Paul Corry praised Vera Pauw's strategy of taking on stronger opposition in friendly windows, saying the approach had borne fruit over her reign and was the best preparation in light of Ireland's difficult World Cup draw.

On Saturday, Ireland performed creditably in a 2-0 loss away to world champions USA in Austin, the first of a friendly double header in the States three months out from the World Cup. The second installment of the double header takes place in St Louis tonight at 12.30am Irish time.

Since taking the role, Pauw has sought out strong opposition in friendlies, notably in the aftermath of Ireland's disappointing failure to qualify for Euro 2022, when the side lost a series of friendlies to the likes of Denmark, Belgium and highly rated Iceland. In previous years, they had played friendly games against heavy-hitters Sweden and Australia.

Corry argues the double header against USA - admittedly not perceived as strong as the team who won back-to-back World Cups in 2015 and 2019 - is an ideal primer for a World Cup group containing Australia and Canada in July.

"I think we have to respect the choice of games Vera has made," Corry said on the RTÉ Soccer podcast.

"Not only this double header but even going back to the friendlies they would have played against the likes of Sweden and Australia, where it would have been easier to try and build confidence against lesser nations, get a couple of wins under their belt.

"I like what she's done here. When you look at the group we've been drawn in for the World Cup, playing two teams who are ranked within the top-10.

"So, why not spar against the USA over a double header and get a feel of how it is we're going to set-up? Because it's probably going to be very