On an overcast Monday on the outskirts of Brisbane, Ireland manager Vera Pauw pauses deep in thought – trying to recall the exact dimensions of a football pitch. “It’s the same 105 metres by 68 metres, the same size goalposts,” says the Dutchwoman, leaning on a fence at the side of Meakin Park’s training field.
Pauw’s Republic of Ireland side make their Women’s World Cup debut on Thursday. As if that moment was not significant enough, Ireland’s opponents are co-hosts Australia, in the Matildas’ opening match of their first home World Cup. The Irish players will walk out to a record-breaking crowd at Stadium Australia, with most of the 81,500 fans anticipating a home victory.
