Historic Victory: Wales Women Secure Euro 2025 Spot with 2-1 Triumph Over Republic of Ireland

The highly anticipated Euro 2025 qualification showdown between Ireland and Wales at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin ended in heartbreak for the home side as they lost 2-1 in a nail-biting battle, which saw both sides give everything they had until the very end.

The previous meeting between these two sides on 29th November at Cardiff City Stadium ended in a ferociously fought 1-1 draw, meaning all was to play for in this second leg. A momentous game for both sides; Rhian Wilkinson’s Welsh side headed into this game seeking to secure qualification for their first ever major tournament, and Eileen Gleeson’s Republic of Ireland hoping to build on last year's

historic World Cup qualification and land their first appearance at a European tournament.

In front of a crowd of over 25,000 both teams could be heard passionately belting out their national anthem, emphasising just how much qualification for the Euros next summer in Switzerland meant for them. The game kicked off at 7:30pm and became

immediately apparent that it would be just as physical as the previous clash, with both sides determined to get on the front foot in the first quarter.

Chances were scattered for both, and after an early aggressive tussle between the sides the Irish captain Katie McCabe seen herself in the referee’s book, much to her frustration. Possession fell largely to the home side, but overall the game was setting out to be a relatively even affair.

A superb strike from Denise O’Sullivan in the 22nd minute saw a shot off the crossbar for Ireland, leaving Wales rattled with momentum continuing to swing in Ireland’s favour.

Only a couple of minutes later a lively shot from Kyra Carusa was excellently saved by Olivia Clark, with a knock-on chance created for Heather Payne. Republic of Ireland had significant chances to try get on the goal sheet but too many opportunities were missed.

Two quick succession chances for Wales to score from a free kick and a corner were denied following fantastic saves from Courtney Brosnan. The wet conditions proved difficult at times, and the atmosphere felt tight and cagey, with both teams longing for that all-important goal.

It was apparent from the very beginning that both sides would be trying their best to rattle the other, and just short of 40 minutes McCabe seemed to be pushing her luck with a risky tackle and was lucky to receive nothing more than a warning whilst already on a yellow.

A wonderful long-range attempt from Niamh Fahey on her 115th cap hit the side netting as Ireland appeared to inch closer to finding the back of the net, but by the half time whistle both sides were still goal-less.

With a fast press from Ireland, Wales will have felt fortunate for the scoreline, and Ireland will have been frustrated by their lack of shots on target despite the majority of possession and chances.

HALF TIME: 0-0 (1-1 aggregate)

With no changes at half time, both teams seemed to be playing similarly to the style of to the first half until seemingly out of nowhere in the 47th minute, the referee awarded a controversial penalty as a result of a VAR call off the pitch. Despite no calls from any players, the off-pitch officials noted the referee of what they believed to be a handball by Irish defender Anna Patten. Wales were gifted a golden opportunity to go ahead in the game, and in front of a shellshocked home crowd Hannah Cain sent Brosnan the wrong way and calmly netted the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

GOAL 50 Mins: 0-1 Wales (H. Cain) (1-2 aggregate)

This unexpected goal filled the away side with confidence and they continued to build on any chances they had. Ireland certainly seemed rattled and played some nervy football, with limited opportunities for chances on goal made from their play.

Closing in on 60 minutes, a yellow card was awarded to Wales’ Rachel Rowe for a late challenge on O’Sullivan. Wales took use of this advantage to make a double change in the 62nd minute, bringing on Ffion Morgan in replace of the goal scorer Hannah Cain, and an injured Jess Fishlock making way for Carrie Jones.

Some superb saves from the Irish goalkeeper prevented Wales doubling their lead, until the 67th minute when substitute Carrie Jones slotted home a tremendous finish under pressure to stun the home crowd again.

GOAL 67 mins: 0-2 Wales (C. Jones, L. Woodham assist) (1-3 aggregate)

Despite being second best in many areas of the game, the away side found themselves 2-0 up and daring to dream of their first ever Euro qualification. Ireland became increasingly frustrated, and quickly made a triple change to bring on the fresh legs of Megan Connolly, Leanna Kiernan and Megan Campbell to replace Ruesha Littlejohn, Julie Russell and Niamh Fahey in the 73rd minute. Wales made their fourth change, bringing on Ceri Holland for Lily Woodham.

As the clock edged closer to full time Wales were dominating the second half, with more changes for each side (Ella Powell replacing Alice Griffiths for Wales and Izzy Atkinson and Abbie Larkin replacing Heather Payne and Kyra Carusa for Ireland). Ireland’s recent substitute Kiernan found herself in the book for a rough tackle.

4 minutes before the end of regular time, a sweeping corner from McCabe and a quick reaction from Anna Patten heading the ball into the net afforded the Irish precious hope. This game was still all to play for!

GOAL 86 mins: Ireland 1-2 Wales (Anna Paten) (2-3 aggregate)

Ireland finally provided evidence of how dangerous they can be with set pieces, and several long throws launched into the box from the notorious Megan Campbell continued to build so much pressure on Wales, with another effort from Ireland cleared off the line.

The fourth official stated 8 minutes of added time, and it was a last-chance saloon for Wales to defend for their lives and Ireland to try find that vital equaliser. With their backs to the wall, Wales pulled out the stops in added time to create several blocks, with some excellent defending by Rhiannon Roberts denying a frustrated Ireland any opportunity on goal. The Irish keeper received a yellow card in the dying minutes, bringing the total of yellows seen on this evening to 4.

FULL TIME: Ireland 1-2 Wales (2-3 on aggregate)

As the full-time whistle blows, both teams fall to the ground: Ireland in despair and Wales in utter shock, disbelief and euphoria. This Welsh side have just made history qualifying for their first ever major tournament, and with a heroic second half they

were definitively deserving of it.

Ireland starting XI:

Courtney Brosnan, Katie McCabe ©, Caitlin Hayes, Niamh Fahey, Heather Payne, Ruesha Littlejohn, Jessie Stapleton, Anna Patten, Kyra Carusa, Denise O’Sullivan, Julie-Ann Russell

Subs used: Megan Campbell, Izzy Atkinson, Megan Connolly, Abbie Larkin, Leanne Kiernan

Wales starting XI:

Olivia Clark, Lily Woodham, Gemma Evans, Hayley Ladd, Rhiannon Roberts, Alice Griffiths, Angharad James-Turner ©, Josie Green, Rachel Rowe, Jess Fishlock, Hannah Cain

Subs used: Ceri Holland, Ella Powell, Carrie Jones, Ffion Morgan