Late Drama as Ireland Women Secure Nations League Promotion

Late Drama as Ireland Women Secure Nations League Promotion
Abbie Larkin, scorer of Ireland’s dramatic late goal. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Ireland Women secured promotion to UEFA Women’s Nations League A with a thrilling 5-4 aggregate victory over Belgium, thanks to a late decisive goal.

Semi-finals 2nd Leg
Sweden 0-1 Spain (Agg 0-5)
France 2-2 Germany (Agg 2-3)

Melvine Malard quickly cancelled out Germany’s lead from the first leg, but Nicole Anyomi and Klara Bühl responded. Clara Mateo gave France late hope but they ran out of time.

France v Germany - UEFA Women's Nations League 2025 Semi-Final Second Leg
CAEN, FRANCE - OCTOBER 28:
Jule Brand of Germany battles for possession with Selma Bacha of France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

Spain confirmed their place in the final, with Alexia Putellas adding to their 4-0 lead against Sweden.

Play-offs A/B 2nd Leg
Austria 2-0 Czech Republic (Agg: 2-1)
Denmark 2-0 Finland (Agg 8-1)
Iceland P-P Northern Ireland
Belgium 2-1 Republic of Ireland (Agg 4-5)

Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert wiped out Republic of Ireland’s two-goal lead from the first leg with a six-minute brace. The game remained level on aggregate until the 90th minute, when substitute Abbie Larkin dramatically scored on her second attempt.

Due to heavy snowfall, Iceland versus Northern Ireland has been rescheduled for Wednesday 29 October, kick-off 5pm GMT.

Austria came back from a 1-0 deficit against a ten-player Czech Republic. Sarah Puntigam equalized from the penalty spot on aggregate, Barbora Votíková was sent off, and Jennifer Klein secured the winner in the 89th minute.

Denmark had already taken a 6-1 advantage over Finland, which was extended late in the second leg by Kathrine Kuhl and a Pernille Harder penalty.

Play-offs B/C 2nd Leg
Albania 3-0 Cyprus (Agg 5-3)
Turkiye 3-0 Kosovo (Agg 7-0)

Albania trailed 3-2 from the first leg in Cyprus but held an aggregate lead by half-time in the return. They added a third goal after the break to seal the victory.

Turkiye added three goals to their 4-0 success in Kosovo, to coast home 7-0.

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