Tuesday, 16 July was a historic night for the Ireland WNT, as they broke a streak of six consecutive losses with a remarkable 3-1 win against France in Cork, wrapping up their Euro 2025 qualifying journey on a high note.
The Girls' in Green's win over the second-best team in the world has placed Ireland 15th of 16 in League A, edging above Poland on points and goal difference and guaranteeing them a playoff spot despite finishing bottom.
Held at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, the match saw Cork native Denise O’Sullivan score a stunning 66th-minute goal, followed by Julie Ann-Russell's quick-fire double. Megan Connolly’s corner, headed home by defender Anna Patten - which was her first goal for Ireland - sealed the victory.
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France, already qualified for Euro 2025, fielded a changed line-up, showing unfamiliarity that Ireland capitalized on. Despite an early scare, Ireland controlled much of the game, with Caitlin Hayes and Anna Patten making significant defensive contributions.
Irish player of the match Julie-Ann Russell, returning after maternity leave, scored twice in two games, dedicating her goals to her 13-month-old daughter Rosie. Russell told RTÉ: “I can’t believe it really, what a game, incredible. The fans were fantastic. I’m just so happy. I can’t believe it. It’s so surreal. The goals are all for Rosie. The celebration is iconic, it’s lovely and she can look at it when she’s older and hopefully it can inspire other mothers.
“We’d a few chances in the first-half, I was guilty myself. We went on with the mentality. I’m delighted Denise scored, she is a legend in Irish football."
This victory sets the stage for a crucial playoff duel, drawing the path to the European Championships next year in Switzerland. Manager Eileen Gleeson will be observing from afar as Ireland readies for their two-legged playoffs between October and December.
Friday’s draw in Nyon will determine Ireland’s first playoff opponent from a list including Montenegro, Luxembourg, North Macedonia, Belarus, Slovenia, Romania, Albania, Greece - the current eight teams with the highest ranking in League C. Ireland, currently ranked 25th, is expected to defeat the drawn opponent in order to progress through whats known as path one. Should they do this, they will face another team over two legs from League B in late November to decide who advances to the finals.
