Women's World Cup 2023: Republic of Ireland players bow out as 'world stars', says boss Vera Pauw

Republic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw said her players leave the World Cup as "world stars" as they ended their debut with a point against Nigeria.

The Republic had already been eliminated from Group B following defeats by Australia and Canada.

After a goalless draw with Nigeria, Pauw said she was "really proud".

"These players came into the tournament as very good players, they come out of the tournament as world stars," she said.

In their first-ever major tournament, the Republic fell to a 1-0 loss to co-hosts Australia in Sydney before a 2-1 defeat by Canada in Perth.

They were unable to sign off their World Cup adventure with a first win, but Pauw was upbeat after watching her side push three high-quality teams all the way.

"I think we can be really proud," added Pauw, who faces an uncertain future as Republic manager with her contract set to expire after the tournament.

"Three top-10 nations, I've said it before I think Nigeria are a top-10 nation, and we've played equal games against them. We lost by a penalty [to Australia] an own-goal [to Canada] and now a draw. It is amazing."

Pauw, who also said guiding the Irish to their first-ever World Cup point was a "fantastic feeling", added: "It will change their lives. Not only in the experience that they've had but they will get other contracts, get more opportunities and the next generation can step in so it's amazing."