History made!
Ireland’s history makers are now looking forward to the draw for the 2023 Women's World Cup draw which takes place on Saturday 22 October in Auckland, New Zealand.
On Tuesday night, the Republic of Ireland’s ladies beat Scotland 1-0 in Hampden Park in their 2023 World Cup Qualification play-off, qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.
Amber Barrett secured Ireland’s success with a goal in the 72nd minute.
After the match, Barret said: “This result, this game, that goal, this award, I'm dedicating it to those 10 beautiful souls, who unfortunately perished on Friday. To all their families, because I know they touched their lives. They certainly touched ours.”
The Donegal striker dedicated her goal to those who perished in Creeslough last Friday. “This is for Creeslough, this is for Donegal, this is for Ireland.”
Ireland began the first half strongly only for Scotland to be awarded a penalty for handball. It was clawed away by goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan.
Scotland were left shocked after Ireland’s Megan Campbell scored directly from a throw in, but it was correctly disallowed as no-one else touched the ball. Her monster thrown ins were a constant threat.
The Irish ladies created multiple opportunities during the first half with two goal line clearances from Scotland, but half time came with both teams still scoreless.
Scotland began the second half with confidence with Real Madrid player, Lisa Evans beginning to pull the strings and create chances. Scotland dominated without creating too many clear opportunities.
But it was then that Barrett briefly settled her teams’ nerves, with an incredibly cool finish past goalkeeper Lee Alexander from a sublime through ball from Denise O’Sullivan. Scotland didn’t let up after that, hammering at Ireland’s defence until the final whistle of the immensely tense second half.
After the match, Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe: “I'm so proud of the girls' performance. It wasn't pretty tonight at all, but it was an unbelievable save from Courtney for the penalty. We put our bodies on the line, we worked for each other, we ran for each other, and that's what this team is all about.”
Coach Vera Pauw said: “I can’t believe it, I just can’t believe it. Preparation is everything and we were ready for everything. The saved penalty of Courtney was not luck. We have trained for this, we were so ready. Missing so many players through injury, buying into the team and the country. It’s not that we were the better team on the pitch, but the most effective and we wanted it more.”
This is the first time Ireland will compete in the World Cup which will take place next summer in Australia and New Zealand.
The Republic of Ireland’s manager finished with many thanks: “I want to thank everyone who helped me in difficult times. I’m so proud from the FAI to our colleagues to everyone at clubs, the crowd, the little girls. It’s just amazing. I have no words.”