As if we couldn't love her any more, Ireland women's national team coach and honorary national treasure Vera Pauw gave praise to the nation in an emotional appearance on The Late Late Show on Friday night.
Chatting to Ryan Tubridy about Ireland's breathtaking qualification for the upcoming World Cup in Australia, Pauw also took the chance to speak with incredible dignity about her experience since releasing her statement during the summer in which she revealed she was raped by a senior figure in the Dutch FA.
"It was the only way that I could survive and that I could go on with my life," said the former Dutch coach about her decision to go public. "The moment that I put out that statement, that was such a key moment in my life."
In her initial statement Pauw said that she made five requests for the Dutch FA to investigate her allegations, and after "failing to get a satisfactory response", reported the incident to Dutch police.
SEE ALSO: Vera Pauw Shares Touching Moment With Tony O'Donoghue After Ireland Qualify For World Cup
Pauw was overwhelmed with Irish support she received during the difficult period in her life. "It's still hard to talk about it but I saw such a tremendous support from the Irish people," the 59-year-old said. "Everybody was saying to me 'come here we will catch you and we will protect you."
The Irish people keep me up and say 'no, you are you and you're worth the way you are and we will take care of you.'"
Vera Pauw is a remarkable woman for what she endured in her past. So brave of her for going public earlier in the year. She is surrounded by goodwill in this country. She's one of our own now#LateLateShow #latelate
— Adrian Heneghan (@Adrianheneghan) December 2, 2022
World Cup Hopes
When asked about what she's most excited about for the upcoming World Cup, she had a simple and powerful answer; "We are going to stun the world."
"We're not happy with the level we are at," she added. "Every game we are getting better. So this next half year we are planning the opponents in the right way, we are planning the programmes, we're setting everything up from the technical programmes, to the kit, to the scouting, to everything. We are everyday with it basically because we want the girls to grow, and to grow, and to grow."
Wow, @verapauw was fabulous on the #LateLateShow. I have *never* heard menstruation cycles being talked about openly, naturally & positively in relation to sport & planning. So utterly refreshing. Just wonderful. And what a woman she is in all ways. We're so lucky to have her! 💚
— Claire Iníon BouliSneachta (@Claireissimo) December 2, 2022
The coach ended the interview with another powerful statement. "By the time the 20th of July [comes around], when the first whistle goes, we will be ready for Australia. And if that is enough and if the luck is coming outside or not, we are going to show that we've grown again and we'll give everything for the country."
"We are going to stun the world!" - Vera Pauw says her Republic of Ireland team will do everything they can to do the country proud at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand ☘️ #RTEsoccer #LateLate pic.twitter.com/5GFmLFuVL3
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) December 2, 2022
