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‘Its so hard for them, the World Cup will never come back’

Irish manager Vera Pauw says the days leading up to the deadline ‘were devastating’ being forced to drop players who stood by her

Ireland manager Vera Pauw: worst day of my career was picking the final squad. Picture: INPHO

In what should have been a time for celebration, last Wednesday was a very emotional day for Vera Pauw, the manager of the Irish women’s football team.

Facing the media having announced the team for Ireland’s first ever appearance at the Women’s World Cup, at one point Pauw had to take a break and walk across the pitch at UCD, away from the questions of the press.

The Dutch-born coach and former player described picking ...