Pauw proud and excited as Ireland eye huge challenge

Vera Pauw insists the Republic of Ireland "don't fear anyone" as they brace themselves for a massive World Cup challenge next summer in Australia and New Zealand.

The Girls in Green were handed a tough draw on Saturday morning, being grouped with co-hosts Australia, reigning Olympic Games champions Canada, and Nigeria, one of the strongest teams in Africa.

Only the top two will progress to the last 16 and though she acknowledged it will be a huge ask for her team, Pauw - who attended the draw in Auckland - is invigorated by the prospect of competing on such a grand stage.

"This morning we had a meeting with all the countries and FIFA in a big ballroom," she said.

"We were welcomed as one of the three debutants. At that moment I felt goosebumps over my whole body. Like, 'yeah, we're here’.

"If you then see your country coming out of the pot, to play the host nation [Australia] in the opening game, yeah it’s a dream come true. Nobody fears anyone. We don’t fear this challenge either."

That first game against the Matildas is a blockbuster. Ireland beat the world No 13-ranked Australia 3-2 in a friendly at Tallaght Stadium 13 months ago, but this will be an altogether different prospect.

The countries collide in Sydney on Thursday 20 July for what will feel in many ways like an international derby, given the deep Irish connection has Down Under.

"How good is it that you can play the opening game against the host nation in a full stadium, in a country where half of the country has Irish backgrounds, more maybe?" Pauw added.

"Other people are now fighting at home because of the dilemma whether they will support Australia or Ireland! Even if they support Australia, they will be a little bit in their heart for us.

"It's really the most