October 12 – In dramatic fashion, Ireland has qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup after a 1-0 away victory in Scotland. It’s the first time that the ‘Girls in Green’ will feature at the global finals.
A convoluted play-off system in the UEFA zone meant that just two out of three winners would qualify directly for the World Cup and the third winner would drop down to the inter-continental play-offs. With Iceland suffering an extra-time defeat at the hands of Portugal, Scotland and Ireland had their destiny in their own hands.
A second-half strike from Amber Barrett was enough to ensure Ireland’s spot among the 32 finalists next year in Australia and New Zealand. “I can’t believe it,” said Ireland coach Vera Pauw, who coached Scotland from 1998 to 2004. “Amber’s first touch made the game; I just can’t believe it. How is this possible for us?”
Barrett dedicated her historic goal to the 10 victims of the recent Creeslough tragedy where there was an explosion at a petrol station that killed 10.
“My grandparents are born and bred there,” said Barrett. “I spend my holidays there with my uncle. I know people who died in the tragedy, who were affected by it, who were first on the scene.”
“I’m dedicating this result and the goal to the 10 beautiful souls who unfortunately perished, for all their families. I know they touched their lives and they have touched ours. This is for Cresslough. This is for Donegal.”
The Irish will join Morocco, Philippines, Vietnam, and Zambia as debutants at next year’s World Cup. It is a remarkable turnaround for the team. Five years ago, the Irish women’s national team threatened to withdraw from a match after what the players perceived to be treatment like ‘fifth-class citizens.’
Switzerland’s qualification for the World Cup was no less dramatic. Fabienne Humm scored the winning goal just before the end of extra time to defeat Wales 2-1. It is the third time that the Swiss will be at the World Cup.
Portugal, who defeated Belgium in the first round of the playoffs, are into the inter-confederation play-offs following a 4-1 defeat of Iceland.
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