Their strength is that big issues don't affect them

PAUW BACKS STARS

- MARK MCCADDEN

IT’S A must-win. Kind of.

Vera Pauw will send her charges out against Canada today with one thing in mind – collecting three World Cup points and edging Ireland closer to the last-16.

“We lost the first so we have to win the second,” she said.

Really?

“Well, technically no, but…

“We went into the first game wanting to win it. Canada is a different team than Australia. They have more flexibility and creativity in their team.”

That, according to Pauw, could be a plus from an Irish point of view.

Australia’s relentless and direct style of play changed the way Ireland were in possession – until that 25-minute bombardment in the second-half as the Girls in Green chased an equaliser.

“You saw against the USA we were able to switch play,” she said, suggesting that Canada would be more like their neighbours than the Aussies.

“We couldn’t switch play now and that has part to do, well everything to do, with the direct play of Australia. That is their strength.”

There are plenty of reasons for the optimism that is currently bubbling in the Irish camp ahead of today’s clash.