Vera Pauw: “Amber promised me 'When I get on, I’ll make that goal’”

Vera Pauw

Vera Pauw Credit: Peter Fitzpatrick (ETPhotos)

With Ireland World Cup bound, Vera Pauw in an emotional interview after the final whistle in Hampden Park, praised her penalty saving keeper and goalscoring hero.

Courtney Brosnan’s first half peno stop and substitute Amber Barrett’s goal 18 minutes from time earned the Republic of Ireland’s the 1-0 win over Scotland so that the Girls in Green will represent Ireland at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year.

Vera Pauw speaking to RTÉ afterwards said: “Amber promised me 'When I get on, I’ll make that goal.' Her first touch made it all and it was incredible how she finished it. Her first touch made the game.”

Niamh Fahey’s handball had given Scotland a spotkick on 14 minutes but Courtney Brosnan diving to her left saved Caroline Weir’s effort from 12 yards. Pauw praised the preparation for the save and for the play-off win.

“Courtney was the player of the game for me. She kept us in the game and kept us organised. Preparation is everything.

“The saved penalty from Courtney wasn’t luck. We knew what way it was coming. We trained for it.”

Ireland kept the game tight, looked to exploit Megan Campbell’s long throw and had plenty of chances to win the game before Barrett ran onto Denise O’Sullivan’s through ball off a cushioned Fahey header late in the match.

“We were ready for every scenario. The game plan was successful. They completely bought into the game plan. They gave themselves for the team and the country.

“It is not that we were the better team on the pitch but we were the most effective team and we just wanted it more.

“I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me in this difficult time; everyone who supported me but supported the team.”



The draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will take place in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau on Saturday 22 October 2022.

About Macdara Ferris

Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile