Wales made historical past by beating Eire 2-1 within the Euro 2025 play-off second leg in Dublin, due to targets from Hannah Kane and Kelly Jones, to advance to a significant match for the primary time.
Rhian Wilkinson’s aspect gained 3-2 on combination to advance to subsequent summer time’s European Championships in Switzerland.
Leicester ahead Kane awarded a penalty within the fiftieth minute after a VAR test confirmed a Wales free-kick hit Anna Patten on the arm.
She had not too long ago returned to motion after a second severe knee damage and saved her cool to place Wales forward earlier than substitute Jones got here on after 17 minutes.
Patten’s 86th-minute aim ensured a tense end for Wales, which included a goal-line clearance from the guests eight minutes into stoppage time as Eire dominated however sparked wild celebrations on the Aviva Stadium.
The Wales workforce made two adjustments in comparison with the primary leg with Cardiff. Defender Josie Inexperienced changed Ceri Holland within the beginning lineup, and ahead Ffion Morgan was changed by Kane. The one substitution for Eire was the call-up of Jessie Stapleton.
Alternatives for readability are invaluable in opening exchanges. Wales’ Jesse Fishlock had the primary shot on the right track however Eire goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan handled it with ease.
Eire captain Katie McCabe then acquired a yellow card however the stress mounted on Wales and Denis O’Sullivan’s long-range shot hit the crossbar earlier than McCabe’s shot went simply vast.
The house aspect did not let up, with Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark making a fantastic save to disclaim Julie Russell, however the guests’ response was spectacular.
Wales additionally took word of their attacking prowess 13 minutes earlier than half-time when Lily Woodham’s free-kick was saved by Brosnan, who then made one other fantastic save to disclaim Rhiannon Roberts.
However the Irish workforce fought again and Niamh Fahey’s highly effective left-footed shot missed barely. This was the final offensive second of the primary half and it ended 0-0.
Nevertheless, Wales took the lead 5 minutes after the break when VAR intervened to indicate the ball had hit Patten’s arm and Kane transformed Brosnan from the penalty spot.
Brosnan then produced a simple save to maintain out Anharad James earlier than two adjustments from Wilkinson noticed Morgan come on for Kane, with Jones changing the seemingly injured Fishlock.
Jones’ impression was fast as she scored two targets for Wales with an outstanding go from Woodham, however Parton’s 86th-minute strike gave Eire hope in a frantic recreation.
