Wales defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-1 on Tuesday night to clinch a historic victory and advance to Euro 2025. Hannah Cain opened the scoring from the penalty spot, and Carrie Jones extended the lead. Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland were unable to qualify for next year’s competition.
Wales defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-1 on Tuesday night in their play-off second leg to qualify for Euro 2025, while Scotland and Northern Ireland were eliminated.
The first leg in Wales ended in a 1-1 draw, and because away goals are not allowed in the play-offs, the away team required a win to advance.
Denise O’Sullivan hit the woodwork for the home side in the first half, which ended goalless.
Wales grabbed the lead when Anna Patten’s handball resulted in a penalty, which Hannah Cain converted on 50 minutes. Carrie Jones put them two up after 67 minutes.
Patten then headed home for Ireland late on, but they were unable to progress after eight minutes of added time, and Wales went on to qualify.
Jess Fishlock, Wales’ record goalscorer, told BBC Sport: “I can’t put it into words.” This has been 20 years in the making. “I wouldn’t change anything about it.”The highs and lows are part of the process and trip. Everything led up to this moment with these girls.
“This is the proudest time of my life. My hamstrings are shot, but it doesn’t matter right now.”
Scotland lost 2-0 in Finland following a goalless draw at Easter Road in the first leg.
With the scores level on aggregate at kickoff, everything hinged on the encounter in Finland, where the visitors fell short after surrendering twice in the first half.
Natalia Kuikka opened the scoring after just eight minutes with a fantastic long-range attempt, and the home team added a second soon before halftime.
Nea Lehtola’s shot hit Sophie Howard in the face, and the deflection caught Eartha Cumings off guard in goal.
Scotland had their chances, with Erin Cuthbert missing a fantastic chance, Martha Thomas’ header being saved, and Sam Kerr hitting the upright. Cuthbert was also denied a penalty for Scotland after handball pleas were rejected.
Scotland has not qualified for a major tournament in six years, and manager Pedro Martinez Losa has struggled to lead his squad through the qualification rounds. Finland will compete at the European Championships for the fifth time in its history.
Norway won 3-0 at home against Northern Ireland in their playoff to qualify for next year’s tournament.
The scoreline meant the visitors lost 7-0 on aggregate, leaving little doubt after a crushing first-leg defeat.
Frida Maanum and Synne Jensen of Arsenal each scored, with Caroline Graham Hansen taking the lead.
