Vera Pauw has insisted that Scotland will have plenty of time to recover from Thursday night’s punishing extra-time World Cup play-off win over Austria.
The Scots have four days’ recovery before Tuesday’s decider against Ireland - a match that sees Pauw return to face a former employer.
They pulled off a shock by beating Euro 2022 quarter-finalists Austria and booking an October 11 date with the Girls in Green.
Pauw said: “Scotland was by far the better team and that was a bit surprising because we've seen Austria playing against the very, very top teams, magnificent games.
“But tonight it was all over the pitch for Scotland.”
Asked if the fact that it went to extra-time might play into Ireland’s hands, Pauw said: “Yeah, of course. They have played 120 minutes.
“But there's four rest days so physically they will be ready.
“But yeah, the emotions, we need to see how they handle that.
“On the other hand, they have played at home now, they don't travel, they stay there. They have the advantage of the perception of Hampden Park.
“We need to play our best game ever, nothing has changed from that.”
Pauw managed Scotland between 1998 and 2004.
Regarding her return, she said: “That would make the circle round, yeah. It's just nice.
“I don't care where I go, but it's nice to be there and maybe I can see one or two friends in between the sessions.”
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