Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw sounded an optimistic note about her team's chances of qualifying for 2021 European Championships following their hard-fought 3-2 victory over Ukraine in Tallaght Stadium tonight.
Ireland saw off Ukraine after a topsy-turvy encounter in which the hosts surrendered a two-goal lead in the first half before an own goal from Ukraine defender Natiya Pantsulaya early in the second half restored their advantage.
The victory over the group's second seeds leaves Ireland with two wins from two as they seek to qualify for a first major tournament.
The group winners will qualify automatically for the Euros in England, alongside the three best performing runners-up. The remaining six runners-up will face off against each other in a playoff.
There's general acceptance that Germany will saunter away with Group I. They've already beaten Ukraine 8-0 home and away and won 5-0 away in Greece this evening.
However, the battle for second spot between Ireland, Ukraine and Greece remains open with Pauw optimistic about her team's chances of claiming one of the automatic places.
"If we win in Greece and Montenegro, and usually we should win if we prepare well and don't suffer bad luck, and if we get a draw in Ukraine - or possibly a win - then maybe you can get to England without (needing) playoffs " she told RTÉ Sport's Adrian Eames.
"We must concentrate on getting the points where we have to get the points and the away game against Greece will be the crucial match."
The manager, who was overseeing her first competitive game in charge of Ireland, said she was "stunned by the performance of the players.
"We thought that Rianna (Jarrett) might not last the game, and other players might not last the full game. This can only grow. Under the pressure of the game, we lost some composure but you see the goals that we scored.
"We have really jumped up a level this week."
