‘Mistakes are part of the game’ – Vera Pauw defends Megan Connolly after own goal
Ireland manager Vera Pauw after defeat to Canada. Photo: Sportsfile
Ireland manager Vera Pauw bemoaned the costly concession of a goal just before half-time which almost sucked the life out of an Irish side who had dominated the previous 49-and-a-half minutes, during which they had led thanks to Katie McCabe’s wondrous corner.
As with a second conceded after the break, Ireland were undone by a cross, at first from the right-hand side when Megan Connolly cruelly diverted Julia Grosso’s delivery beyond the despairing Courtney Brosnan.
“She (Megan) hardly touched the ball trying to save it and was very unfortunate. We do not blame players ever, mistakes are part of the game,” Pauw said.
“What we highlighted was the cover on the side, that was actually the problem, not inside. You have to keep covering the side. That was the takeout from that moment.”
The manager also hailed her charges’ achievement of making a first World Cup.
“I am so incredibly proud of where we are. The journey started four years ago,” she added.
“There was a lot done before that, where previous coaches did tremendous work. But I can only speak of the journey where I have been involved.
“If you can compare it to the start, remember Greece away, compare that to this team, it’s as if you see a completely different team, a different attitude and knowledge and approach to the game, different teamwork and skill.
“It is just a tremendous journey that we have been on.
“The fact is that in every single game this team is growing, it is now performing on the world stage.
“Everyone was thinking it was so nice for Ireland to be here, let see if they can cope.
“We showed that and the fact that we were so disappointed, after such a narrow loss by a penalty kick
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