International Action: World Cup Play-Offs (Scotland, Republic of Ireland And Portugal)

The play-off round that sent one British side to the World Cup and left another with nothing. Scotland beat EURO 2022 quarter-finalists Austria 1-0 in round one, Abi Harrison heading the winner two minutes into extra time, which set up a round-two tie against the Republic of Ireland at Hampden five days later. Before a record crowd of 10,708, Caroline Weir missed a first-half penalty and Amber Barrett struck on a quick counter-attack after 76 minutes to send Ireland to their first major tournament and Scotland home. The page also records how Ireland got there, second in their qualifying group after a 1-0 win over Finland in September, and notes Portugal hitting three in extra time to beat Iceland 4-1 and reach an inter-confederation play-off.