Vera Pauw admits her future as Republic of Ireland manager is still to be decided.
She watched from the sideline as a 3-1 defeat to Germany at Tallaght Stadium meant Ireland missed out on a playoff spot for Euro 2022.
Ukraine's 2-1 victory over ten-person Montenegro in Poltava saw them nip ahead of Ireland into second place in Group I.
Katie McCabe's penalty just before half-time became the first and only goal Germany conceded during the qualifying campaign.
Speaking to RTE's Tony O'Donoghue after the game, Pauw emphasised her pride in the players for giving the best team in the world a stern challenge.
Back in August, the Dutchwoman agreed a new contract with the FAI which would come into effect if Ireland qualified for the Euros.
Now that qualification has proved beyond her charges, further discussions are required.
"Let's first see if the FAI wants me still," Pauw told O'Donoghue, "That is the first question, of course.
"And if they want [me], I need to go home. I need to rest, talk with my partner - Bert van Lingen - then look into what I am going to do.
"But my heart is here. I just broke down," Pauw said, as the tears again began to flow, "And it is because I am so proud of this team.
"Such a bunch of tigers.
"We do this together. This team is so together, and everybody has a task, and I have the final decision to make about all the different things that's happening.
"But it is so much together. I've got a fantastic staff, huge quality - highest quality that you can get.
"We've got a bunch of talents in that squad that can only grow. Every single training session we are better, every single game we are better and I hope everybody sees that.
"And they're just not having the little bit of luck to qualify, but we will be there in '23 - the World Cup, Ireland will be there."
Pauw said if asked to stay on now, "of course" she would say 'yes', but added there are other things she needs to consider.
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