Whether one supports soccer or not, and even then, if one only admires the men’s game and not the female version, it cannot be denied that the Irish women’s international squad truly represents its country.

In a landmark year for the sport here, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first unwittingly trailblazing Irish team, Vera Pauw’s side embark upon the historic maiden odyssey to a World Cup in Australia, beginning against the hosts.