Vera Pauw and Katie McCabe set the tone ahead of enormous night

A relaxed Katie McCabe and bullish Vera Pauw set the tone for the Republic of Ireland ahead of a massive showdown with Finland at Tallaght Stadium tonight.

It's simple maths: three points and Ireland are into the World Cup play-offs.

A draw means they'll have to go to Slovakia on Tuesday and win to make absolutely sure of clinching second spot in Group A, while even a defeat to the Finns would not be fatal, considering they face group winners Sweden in their last match.

All these permutations - plus the agonising slip-up in Ukraine two years ago that cost Ireland a place in the Euros play-offs - were thrown at the captain and her manager of the eve of the big game, but both seemed happy to swat the irretrievable past and uncontrollable future away: it's all about the here and now for this improving Irish team.

"We're relaxed," said McCabe. "We know what’s at stake for us. Each game has been as important as the last one. We’re looking for three points in order to get a play-off position. And since we’ve been here, we’re enjoying each other’s company, catching up over coffees.

"We’re very relaxed but we also know the pressure that is on this game."

"The thing that differs this team from others is they don't fear pressure," Pauw interjected.

"You can’t feel any anxiety in camp. Also on the pitch. They enjoy pressure and the higher the pressure the better they are.

"Also that Ukraine defeat, we all know that we didn’t play bad but there were moments in the game that turned against us.

"At that moment, we played better and after Ukraine we played better. We’re constantly growing because they love that pressure and being in the position that it matters.

"I feel that constantly and that’s why I call them 'the tigers'. They know when to