FootyChatter.com

Republic of Ireland host Wales in second leg of Euro 2025 play-off final after 1-1 draw in first leg Wales qualify for first major tournament as Republic of Ireland miss out on first European Championship appearance Lily Woodham put Wales ahead in first leg, before Olivia Clark's own goal levelled the tie Republic of Ireland make one change as Jessie Stapleton starts, while Wales bring in Josie Green and Hannah Cain Denise O'Sullivan hits bar for hosts with drive from outside the box as first half ends goalless Hannah Cain penalty puts Wales in front after VAR spots handball by Anna Patten Substitute Carrie Jones doubles Welsh lead as star player Jess Fishlock is forced with injury Anna Patten heads home to set up dramatic finale, but Wales hold on for historic win Dafydd Pritchard Republic of Ireland 0-0 Wales (1-1) Kath Morgan Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Cymru I'm so proud and so nervous for them. It's coming down to one game where the margins are so fine. Mistakes and individual performances can be the difference between winning and losing. Republic of Ireland 0-0 Wales (1-1) It will be Republic of Ireland to take kick off. Referee Marta Huerta De Aza blows her whistle and this Euro 2025 play-off final second leg is under way. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Helen Ward Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales I thought there might have been a change up front, but I thought it would have been Kayleigh Barton to come in. I didn't necessarily predict Ceri Holland dropping to the bench but I also know that Josie Green is going to do a fantastic job on that right-hand side, coming up against one of Ireland's best players in Katie Mc Cabe. I can see the sense in that one. Josie's going to offer stability, but she's also got an engine to get up and down and support the attack as well as dropping back to support Rhiannon Roberts in that right-sided centre-back position. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Kath Morgan Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Cymru I imagine Ireland will see themselves as favourites. I was pleased with how Wales dealt with Ireland's physical side on Friday, there were a lot of things off the ball and the referee didn't always have a grip on the game. It'll be an emotional night with a lot of nerves. What we don't want to do is concede early, we just need to keep our structure and don't take any risks at the back. There's no need to overplay in games like this. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) The first leg drew a record crowd for women's international game in Wales, with 16, 845 at Cardiff City Stadium. There will be an even bigger attendance at the Aviva Stadium tonight, with more than 27, 000 tickets sold. A big advantage for Republic of Ireland then, you'd think - but not as far as Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson is concerned. "The players will have heightened nerves, as will the staff - that is human nature, " she said. "It is beholden of the coach of the home nation to talk about the massive advantage of a huge crowd, but equally it brings a pressure. Pressure does something to everyone. "We are excited to be here at a fabulous stadium. " Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) The players are making their way on to the pitch at the Aviva Stadium. Time for the anthems. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Michael Pearlman BBC Sport Wales at the Aviva Stadium What a place to make history, the stage is well and truly set. The Aviva Stadium is quite a sight. It's hard to believe this Wales side used to fight for qualification in Haverfordwest and Spytty Park and now find themselves in this incredibly imposing arena. If the whole world is a stage, this is a wonderful one in which to make footballing history for your country. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Danny Gabbidon Former Wales defender on Match of the Day Wales If we don't get the result, it's going to be major disappointment. But we have been knocking on the door for so long. To me it feels like this is our time, but it's about the players going out and putting on a performance tonight. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) A brief recap of some practicalities for tonight's game. Away goals do not apply so, if the scores are level after 90 minutes, we'll go to extra time. And if that additional half an hour cannot separate the teams, we'll have a penalty shootout. Both bosses say their players have been practising penalties. "It is as it is in any camp, in every camp we always practise penalties. We are prepared. There should be no panic about it. We know in every way it will be a battle, " says Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson. "We have prepared for more than 90 minutes and potentially the eventuality of penalties. " Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson says: "We have planned ahead and gone through that process. " Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Wales have only experienced heartache in major tournament play-offs, having lost out on a place at last year's World Cup with a last-gasp 2-1 defeat by Switzerland. Republic of Ireland, conversely, reached the World Cup after a play-off win over Scotland and captain Katie Mc Cabe believes her side should take a lot from that experience. "We have been in this position before, " Mc Cabe said. "It gives us experience and that kind of calming mentality throughout the squad. "The leaders of the group can share that experience with the rest of the group. We are absolutely together and we know the magnitude of the game. " Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Mark Poyser BBC Radio Wales football commentator Two evenly matched teams, who comes out on top? It’s too close to call on without question the

biggest occasion for this Wales team. Rhian Wilkinson’s interesting team selection does

mean Wales have players on the bench who can make an impact, particularly if this

tie goes the distance - which many think it might. There has only ever been one penalty shootout in

Uefa women’s qualifying history but hopefully it won’t come to that. After the pain of losing to England at Rodney

Parade in 2018, being edged out by Northern Ireland four years ago and the last-gasp heartbreak in Zurich for the last World Cup, surely it is time for Wales

to finally finish their story on a high. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Nia Jones Former Wales international on BBC Radio Cymru I sent the captain, Angharad James, a text last night to say 'we're all here in Dublin, we're really looking forward to the game, we're all proud of you and it doesn't matter what happens tomorrow'. She just said 'it's great having you all here, we're ready to make history'. I just think her attitude represents the team brilliantly. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Wales have gone close to major tournament qualification before, but captain Angharad James isn't interested in playing this contest down. According to the 30-year-old Seattle Reign midfielder, this is the "biggest game" Wales' players have ever played. This video can not be played Euro play-off second leg 'biggest game' Wales have ever played Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Helen Ward Former Wales striker on BBC Radio Wales I think they've got to be brave. I don't think we can afford to sit back, be defensive and invite pressure on because they've got some quality, Republic of Ireland. We can't invite them to have the ball and use those players high up the pitch. We have to be brave, but not so brave that you leave yourself open. I think it's going to be another cat and mouse game. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Feeling any pre-match nerves? Then just listen to Tziarra King, wife and Seattle Reign team-mate of Wales star Jess Fishlock. As well as talking about what Fishlock is like pre-match, King backs Wales to beat Republic of Ireland. This video can not be played Jess Fishlock 'the calmest person I know', says wife and team-mate Tziarra King Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Miss the first leg or just fancy a reminder of how it went? Here are the highlights from Cardiff City Stadium on Friday. This video can not be played Highlights: Wales 1-1 Republic of Ireland Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Katie Sherwood Former Wales midfielder on Match of the Day Wales I think Ceri Holland has been a consistent performer so to see her not starting is a shock. Hannah Cain will bring an attacking threat and Josie Green is reliable, but they are changes we didn't necessarily expect. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Kath Morgan Former Wales captain on BBC Radio Cymru I wasn't expecting that team. I imagine Ceri Holland will feel really unlucky not to start. Maybe she's not the most technical on the ball, but I'm surprised Rhian Wilkinson hasn't started her. I'm also a bit surprised Alice Griffiths has kept her place as well. I just think this level, she can't quite cope with O'Sullivan in the middle of the pitch. I really wanted Jess Fishlock in there to just help us keep O'Sullivan quiet, but I'm not the manager! Hannah Cain back, that's great to see, she wants to prove a point. Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) The first leg showed how well matched these two sides are, so it's tricky to say who the favourites might be tonight. But Republic of Ireland boss Eileen Gleeson reckons home advantage in this second leg could swing things in favour of her side. "We always said it wouldn't be won or lost [in the first leg], " Gleeson said in Cardiff. "I'd prefer a win but, with a draw, we're in the game and we take it home. It's positive. “We’d like to think we have the advantage now… going to our home, we love playing at the Aviva Stadium. " Republic of Ireland v Wales (1-1 agg, 19: 30 GMT) Katie Sherwood Former Wales midfielder on BBC Radio Wales I woke up this morning and the magnitude of this game has really hit home. It's a huge game. This will be the biggest game of some of these girls' careers. It's about putting Wales on the map and reaching that major tournament that they've been trying to do for the last few campaigns. I'm really excited, there's definitely a sense of hope and belief, but also anticipation and nerves are definitely setting in. We know how difficult it's going to be. They've sold 25, 000 tickets, the atmosphere is going to be hostile. They're going to battle it out and I'm only thinking with my heart today. I think we are going to do it, but it's going to go right to the wire. I can see this going to extra time, maybe even penalties. This video can not be played Republic of Ireland 1-2 Wales: Highlights as visitors make history in Dublin Wales made history by reaching a major women's tournament - Euro 2025 - for the first time as they stunned the Republic of Ireland in Dublin in front of a crowd of 25, 832. After a first half in which Ireland came closest to breaking the deadlock through Denise O’Sullivan’s stunning effort that smashed the upright, Wales took the lead after the break as Hannah Cain converted from the spot after Anna Patten’s handball. An injury to Jess Fishlock looked like it could derail Wales’ dream, but substitute Carrie Jones scored their second within moments of her introduction after Ireland’s high defensive line was beaten by a brilliant pass by their tormentor-in-chief, Lily Woodham. Patten’s late header gave Ireland the chance to set-up a grandstand finish and eight minutes of injury time ensured plenty of time for an equaliser. The hosts pushed and pushed but, after years of misfortune, Wales enjoyed some luck and somehow managed to preserve their advantage. Rhian Wilkinson’s side can now look forward to taking their place in next summer’s European Championships in Switzerland after securing by far the most significant victory in their history. Wales captain Angharad James, usually not one for any level of hyperbole, said before the match that this was the biggest game of the Wales players’ lives and with the pressure on, they rode their luck to stun the hosts and secure a win that will live in the all-time annuls of Welsh sporting history. Wales’ journey from being a nation where women’s football was an afterthrought has been up and down, but belief that they would qualify for a major finals has never diminished and they will now take their place at football’s top table for the first time. After three near misses in qualification for the past three major tournaments, Wales were bidding to finally get over the line and boss Wilkinson made two changes, including surprisingly leaving out Liverpool’s Ceri Holland, who scored the winning goal in the play-off semi-final. Both sides were in don’t-lose mode in the first leg of the tie, as a cagey contest drifted to a draw, and it was clear from the early exchanges that a tight and tense affair was an inevitability. The first effort on goal on 14 minutes saw Fishlock’s volley force Courtney Brosnan into a comfortable save, with Ireland enjoying plenty of possession but struggling to impose themselves in an attacking sense. However, without striker Elise Hughes Wales were again lacking in an ability to keep the ball in attacking areas and the hosts came within a whisker of leading on 23 minutes as O’Sullivan’s fantastic curling effort hammered against the crossbar with Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark beaten. Ireland again came close moments later as Katie Mc Cabe found space to unleash a long-range left-footed effort that fizzed wide of Clark’s far post. The home side were knocking louder and louder in search of an opener and Julie Russell thought she had found a breakthrough on 30 minutes, but Clark denied her with a brilliant one-handed save. Brosnan was then called into action at the other end to deny Woodham from a 25-yard free-kick - with Wales also testing Brosnan from the subsequent corner, but she got down brilliantly to turn Rhiannon Roberts’ shot on the turn around the post. In a contest of small margins Wales were incensed on 38 minutes that referee Marta Huerta de Aza opted not to show a second yellow card to Mc Cabe after she swiped at Rachel Rowe who stayed on her feet. Ireland came close twice before the interval, but Heather Payne’s effort was saved by Clark and defender Niamh Fahey’s long-range effort was just wide. Carrie Jones made her Wales debut as a 15-year old There were more good chances created in the opening half than in the opening tie, but Wales had the best opportunity to break the stalemate as Patten handled a Wales set-piece with the penalty awarded after a VAR check. Cain kept her composure with the spot-kick to send Brosnan the wrong way as Wales regained the lead in the tie. They might have doubled their advantage on 55 minutes, but Cain was inches away from converting Rowe’s teasing cross. The Wales goal forced Ireland into a more attacking mode and created spaces for the visitors who broke brilliantly on the hour mark, but James’ shot was saved by Brosnan to keep the hosts in the tie. Wales’ hopes of maintaining their lead suffered a seismic blow when Fishlock was forced off by injury on 64 minutes, with her emotional walk off the field a huge concern for Wilkinson’s side. However, within two minutes Wales had doubled their advantage as Ireland got their offside trap all wrong as sub Ffion Morgan nicked the ball and from Woodham’s perfect pass, Fishlock’s replacement Jones kept her composure to find the bottom corner from 20 yards out. The second goal sucked the life and belief from the hosts for a spell, but just when hope seemed lost they got right back into the contest on 85 minutes when Patten headed home after Roberts blocked her initial effort on the line. Ireland thought they had levelled when a long throw caused chaos in the Welsh defence, but they scrambled the ball away centimetres from it crossing the line with Clark beaten, before Roberts’ incredible block denied substitute Leanne Kiernan and Mc Cabe’s shot deflected inches over. Eight minutes of injury time felt like a lifetime for Wales, but they held on to become history-makers and celebrated the win of their lives with their small travelling contingent of supporters in emotional scenes that will live long in the memory. Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Last Updated 3rd December 2024 at 21: 24 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Eileen Gleeson Formation: 4 - 3 - 3 Manager: Rhian Wilkinson Formation: 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 Manager: Eileen Gleeson Formation: 4 - 3 - 3 Manager: Rhian Wilkinson Formation: 4 - 3 - 2 - 1 To watch and listen, you need to enable Java Script in your browser. Republic of Ireland v Wales. BBC Radio Wales. Audio Republic of Ireland v Wales BBC Radio Wales Gweriniaeth Iwerddon v Cymru. BBC Radio Cymru. Audio Gweriniaeth Iwerddon v Cymru BBC Radio Cymru UEFA Women's Championship Qualification All competitions All competitions All competitions © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.