Cymru held to draw with all to play for

Cymru 1-1 Republic of Ireland

• Lily Woodham gives Cymru the lead during first-leg
• Irish equalise through a Cymru own-goal
• Second-leg takes place 3 December in Dublin

The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Play-Off Final is finely in the balance after the first-leg in Cardiff ended in a 1-1 draw. The teams meet again on Tuesday (3 December) for the second-leg, where one of them will learn their fate and qualify for EURO 2025. 

In Cardiff, Cymru opened the scoring in the 21st minute when Jess Fishlock’s dangerous cross from the right saw a defender’s clearance sliced into the path of Lily Woodham, who had run into the box from the left wing. She netted with confidence. The lead lasted just over 10 minutes and whilst Cymru were in a period of composure, despite some Irish advancements.

As Ruesha Littlejohn struck from distance, she had Olivia Clark beaten, however, the ball hit the crossbar. Unfortunately for Clark, the ball rebounded against the back of her head and crossed the line. It was an incredibley unfortunate own goal.

There was nothing between the teams during this encounter with both well matched. Whilst neither team could find a winner, they both went close in the second half. 

Rhiannon Roberts went close with a header from a corner but her effort was headed behind with some last ditch defending. Shortly after Caitlin Hayes thought she’d won it for  Republic of Ireland with a well hit strike. However, Olivia Clark pulled off an amazing one handed save with the ball coming at her with ferocious speed.

Neither team will be disappointed with the result but Ireland may fancy their chances a little more – and will certainly be favourites – when back in front of a home crowd at the Aviva Stadium. However, Cymru are incredibly hungry for an appearance at their first major tournament.