Tuesday, 16 July marked a significant night for the Ireland WNT, as they ended a streak of six consecutive losses with an impressive 3-1 victory over France in Cork, concluding their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign on a positive note.
The Girls’ in Green’s triumph against the second-ranked team in the world has placed Ireland in 15th position out of 16 in League A, surpassing Poland in points and goal difference to secure a playoff spot despite finishing at the bottom.
Played at Páirc Uà Chaoimh, the match featured a brilliant 66th-minute goal by Cork native Denise O’Sullivan, followed by a quick brace from Julie Ann-Russell. Anna Patten, who scored her first goal for Ireland, sealed the victory by heading in Megan Connolly’s corner.
Although France had already secured a spot in Euro 2025 and fielded a revised lineup, Ireland took advantage of their unacquaintance to control much of the game. Caitlin Hayes and Anna Patten made key defensive contributions, despite an initial scare.
The Irish player of the match, Julie-Ann Russell, back from maternity leave, scored two goals in two games, dedicating her performance to her 13-month-old daughter Rosie. Russell expressed her joy to RTÉ, stating, “I’m thrilled Denise scored, she is a legend in Irish football.”
This win sets the stage for a crucial playoff showdown, offering a path to the European Championships in Switzerland next year. Manager Eileen Gleeson will be watching from a distance as Ireland prepares for the two-legged playoffs scheduled between October and December.
The draw on Friday in Nyon will determine Ireland’s first playoff opponent from a selection of teams, including Montenegro, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Belarus, Slovenia, Romania, Albania, Greece. As the 25th-ranked team, Ireland is expected to defeat their drawn opponent to progress through path one. If successful, they will face another team from League B in late November to determine the finalist.
