Paths to Progress: Charting Ireland's route to knockout stages
Will Ireland be celebrating at the end of the Group stage? Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)
Vera Pauw and Ireland have it all to do if they are to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup from Group B.
Australia hold the advantage after the first round of games in with the co hosts on top of the pile.
A 1-0 victory over Ireland catapulted them to the summit following Nigeria and Canada's scoreless draw in the other game.
And with Ireland failing to register a point after their first game, the Girls in Green have a challenging task ahead to qualify into the next round.
The good news is there are still a number of viable paths available to progress for Vera Pauw's side.
Here is a detailed look at how Ireland can navigate these waters and secure their spot in the knockout stages.
Scenario 1: Ireland triumphs over both Nigeria and Canada
The most straightforward route to the next stage for Ireland is by defeating both Nigeria and Canada in their upcoming matches.
A victory in both games would guarantee Ireland 6 points, ensuring their advancement to the knockout phase, irrespective of the outcomes of other matches in the group.
Scenario 2: Victory over Nigeria and Draw with Canada
If Ireland manages to secure a win against Nigeria and plays a draw against Canada, this will give them 4 points.
To advance under these circumstances, they would need Australia to either win or draw against Canada.
Additionally, Nigeria should not win their game against Australia. If Nigeria does end up winning, the teams' fates would then depend on goal difference or subsequent tie-breaking criteria.
Scenario 3: Victory over Canada and Draw with Nigeria
In this scenario, Ireland would once again end up with 4 points, having beaten Canada and secured a draw with Nigeria.
To move forward, they would need Australia to win or draw against Nigeria and for Canada to avoid a victory against Australia.
If Canada manages to win their game, advancement would again be determined based on goal difference and other factors.
Scenario 4: Drawn Games with Nigeria and Canada
The road to progress becomes steeper if Ireland draws both their upcoming games.
With just 2 points on the table, they would be heavily reliant on Australia to defeat both Nigeria and Canada.
Moreover, they would have to bank on advancing based on a superior goal difference, or other tie-breaking factors, over the other teams in the group.
Finishing on the same points, what happens?
It's crucial to note that in scenarios where Ireland ends up level on points with another team, progression is decided on various tie-breaking factors.
The first of these is goal difference, followed by the number of goals scored.
If these are equal, disciplinary points (yellow and red cards) come into play.
As a last resort, if all other factors are identical, teams' fates are decided by drawing lots.
If a team is level with two or more others, the first criteria is the greater number of points obtained between the teams concerned, followed by superior goal difference and then finally greater number of goals.
Once again, if all other factors are identical, teams' fates are decided by drawing lots.
Whatever happens, Ireland can not afford to lose another match. The first step on this journey will be to face Olympic champions Canada on Wednesday with a kick-off of 1pm Irish time.
