The Republic of Ireland came from behind against Wales in Cardiff to ensure there will be a mouthwatering conclusion to their Euro 2025 playoff next week. A 1-1 draw sees the tie finely balanced after an own goal from the Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark cancelled out Lily Woodham’s opener.
Rhian Wilkinson, the Wales manager, rued her side’s inability to capitalise on their advantage in a predictably cagey first leg. “It’s 0-0 at half-time,” she said. “Sometimes you can get a little frustrated. I don’t think we always played our brand of football ... we had moments but games tilt in your direction when you have a [series of moments] that turn into momentum.”
This encounter caught the eye as soon as the draw was made. Both teams have had differing fortunes in recent years. While Wales are still attempting to reach their first major tournament, the Republic of Ireland cleared that particular hurdle in qualifying for the previous World Cup and are looking to back up that achievement with a first appearance at a European Championship.
A raucous record crowd of 16,845 was present to help Wales try and change their recent disappointing playoff fortunes. Wilkinson named an unchanged lineup from the extra-time win over Slovakia, with the record goalscorer Jess Fishlock fully fit and Ffion Morgan retaining her place as the central striker.
Ireland, in contrast, had cruised through with a confidence-building 9-0 aggregate victory over Georgia. But Eileen Gleeson’s side were dealt a blow this week with the withdrawal of Aoife Mannion through injury to add to the absence of Louise Quinn. Niamh Fahey started in the heart of the defence while Ruesha Littlejohn, Lily Agg and Heather Payne all returned.
Ireland would have been considered favourites but Gleeson warned that she expected an evenly-matched contest. It was precisely that as Wales found themselves ahead after 20 minutes despite the visitors’ early control.
With their first real foray forward, Wales took full advantage of Ireland’s defensive hesitation. When Fahey missed her opportunity to clear Fishlock’s delivery, it dropped perfectly for Woodham, who had made a fine run to the far post. She produced a sweeping strike past Courtney Brosnan that upped the decibel level in the stadium significantly.
It would have been an opportune moment for Wales to capitalise but, as Wilkinson alluded to afterwards, they dropped a little and allowed Ireland back into it. The equaliser came in fortuitous circumstances when Littlejohn had an ambitious effort from distance. Her looping shot was tipped on to the woodwork by Clark but rebounded into the net via the back of the unfortunate goalkeeper’s head.
While the hosts returned after the break the stronger side, Ireland had their own periods of control and created the best chance of the second half, with Clark required to pull off the save of the game to keep out Caitlin Hayes’ sweetly struck half-volley.
With neither able to find a winner, Dublin beckons on Tuesday for what will be a highly anticipated finale, home advantage that Gleeson intends to use. “I don’t feel like it’s on our shoulders,” she said. “I feel like it’s in our soul. It’s our home. We love playing at the Aviva. We love the crowd. It’s magical. There is nothing like being at home in Ireland.”
