Ireland manager Vera Pauw was in jubilant mood following the team's advancement to the playoffs - but stressed they were only "halfway there" in their quest to reach a first ever World Cup.
On a nervy evening in Tallaght, substitute Lily Agg's second half goal delivered a crucial victory over Finland, sending Ireland to the playoffs.
After some consideration, Pauw opted to stay on in the wake of Ireland's bitter Euro 2022 qualification heartbreak, a decision thus far vindicated by the team's evolution throughout the current campaign.
However, the Ireland manager stressed that the job wasn't complete. The team still have a convoluted playoff process to navigate, one which may become simplified if they can beat Slovakia on Tuesday and other results go their way.
"It's absolutely amazing. It's a feeling that's come so deep inside of the squad. We're so close," Pauw told RTÉ Sport after the game.
"When I heard of all the people at home, all the watch parties and everybody supporting us and everywhere we go, everyone is supporting us and is so warm. I have no words.
"We're not there. We need to win in Slovakia to get a chance to skip the first round.
"So we will prepare as seriously as we will need to for that. Let's celebrate today but no party.
An ecstatic Vera Pauw speaks of the pride in her side but reminds everyone that the job is still only half done - "We're not there yet, we’re half-way but this is such a great stepping stone towards the World Cup." pic.twitter.com/xaFeg7YQ7a
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 1, 2022
"We're not there yet, we're halfway. But this is such a stepping stone towards the World Cup.
"It's the first time with the crowd like this, they achieved a moment like that. I am so incredibly proud of this team, they are so special.
"This is so important for those players, and for them it can be life-changing.
"The fact that they've now knocked out a second seeds can make a difference to their sporting life."
Ireland survived a shaky first half, the Finns looking the more composed and dominant side in the opening half hour, the hosts only beginning to grow into the game shortly before half-time. Pauw attributed their sluggish start to Finland's set-up, admitting they were briefly thrown by the visitors' approach.
Pauw said she was wary of replacing the injured Niamh Fahey with a relatively inexperienced player, instead opting to deploy Megan Connolly in defence, meaning the midfield had to be re-jigged slightly.
"They came out differently than we thought and it took a long time before we could organise for that. They were so guarded in front of their defence. We put Ruesha (Littlejohn) on their No. 4 (Oling) and later Lily (Agg) and she did absolutely amazing.
"Niamh Fahey was injured so had to choose between putting a player there (at centre half) who was inexperienced in these kind of games or to pull Megan (Connolly) back, who did fantastically against Sweden in that role. We actually chose not to take the risk (of playing an inexperienced player) and that meant that in midfield, we had to pull back Denise (O'Sullivan).
The Ireland manager was quick to thank the support, both at home and in the stadium, saying the team felt it "deep inside" and that it "really made a difference."
The panel assess Ireland's playoff path after they guaranteed their place with a 1-0 win over Finland in Tallaght #rtesoccer pic.twitter.com/6sHEt274Z2
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) September 1, 2022
