Republic of Ireland edge Scotland to qualify for Women’s World Cup

Republic of Ireland qualify for: 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup -
Katie McCabe of Republic of Ireland celebrates with teammates. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Republic of Ireland reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a 1-0 win over Scotland in front of a record crowd of 10,708 at Hampden Park.

Scotland were given a great early opportunity with a penalty after Martha Thomas’s shot was handballed but Caroline Weir’s spot-kick was saved well by Courtney Brosnan.

Ireland had a goal ruled out when Megan Campbell’s long throw went straight into the net, but without getting a touch from anyone.

Aine O’Gorman missed a close-range header for Ireland, while Scotland’s Sophie Howard twice nodded clear off the goalline.

Claire Emslie was twice close to a second-half breakthrough for Scotland, before on 72 minutes Ireland substitute Amber Barrett raced clear to slip the ball past keeper Lee Gibson and into the far corner.

Scotland v Republic of Ireland: 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup - Play-Off
Aine O’Gorman of Ireland celebrates at full time. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Erin Cuthbert was denied a swift leveller by Brosnan, after which Lucy Graham had a shot blocked.

Howard saw her close-range header drift wide and in injury-time Rachel Corsie also nodded the wrong side of the post, as Ireland qualified for their first ever major tournament.

Wales Women defeated at the death by Switzerland

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