Vera Pauw says she is happy for Ireland to be the underdogs in tonight’s World Cup play-off against Scotland.
The bookies have installed the Hampden Park hosts as overwhelming favourites to win and either go through to the World Cup finals or next February’s intercontinental play-offs.
Some have the Girls in Green at 9/2 to triumph tonight.
Ireland boss Pauw isn’t concerned with the odds, however.
She said: “We know where we stand and we know that Scotland is favoured in the game. We know that. I’m not surprised.
“They went to the European Championships. They went to the World Cup.
“They are at home and it is their second game at home in a week, they have the crowd behind them.
“So that sums it all up. It is what it is. We will be absolutely ready in our capacities tomorrow and we will see if it’s good enough.
“We know where we stand. We are realistic. We are very realistic.”
Pauw knows that it will take another huge performance from her players to make history tonight - but they have consistently come up with the goods in this campaign.
“You’ve asked before, was playing against Sweden in front of the crowd a problem, and I don’t think anyone had seen anything like that before,” she said, recalling the 1-1 draw in Gothenburg against the world number two ranked side.
“It’s about knowing what you can and what you cannot do. And it is building that into teamwork and then just going for it.
“We keep it as simple as that.
“We know the nation is behind us and that everybody is proud of us.
“We know that we are here, now and that whatever we show tomorrow, I know that the nation will be proud of it.
“We will see at the end where we stand. We are realistic but we will give our all.”
READ NEXT:
Kenny admits Ireland need to 'do something extraordinary' to qualify for Euros
Roy Keane appears to refuse to take fan selfie in another classic moment
Rory Gaffney lifts lid off Tallaght Stadium with stoppage time stunner
Graeme McDowell only beats four players but still makes big sum at LIV event
RTE viewers hail Damian Browne as 'inspirational' after Late Late Show interview
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
