Ireland

Scotland's Caroline Weir missed a first-half penalty and Amber Barrett then scored in the second half as Ireland beat Scotland 1-0 in their European ...

“I’m very disappointed – for the girls and for the whole nation,” said Martínez Losa, whose side enjoyed more than 70% of the possession but failed to maximise it. “We wanted to qualify for the World Cup so badly I apologise to the fans. With no player having touched it en route it was automatically disallowed but the home defence must have been mightily relieved Ireland’s lurking Lily Agg did not manage to capitalise on apparently crossed wires between their goalkeeper Lee Gibson and Sophie Howard. Part of her legacy could be seen on Tuesday night in the 10,708 crowd, a record attendance for a competitive Scotland women’s game. Preparation is everything and we were ready for every scenario. Formerly in charge of Arsenal, Martínez Losa watched horrified as Erin Cuthbert and Claire Emslie were among key home players negated by Pauw’s well‑structured back five.

Amber Barrett speaking to RTÉ: “Tony you know I talk a lot but I have nothing to say. That was the longest 20 minutes of my life. I don't know how we' ...

If the rest of the Ireland squad are as loose and relaxed as Vera Pauw and McCabe, then tension isn’t going to be the reason they don’t make it to the World Cup. If either Switzerland or Iceland fail to win in 120 minutes, then a victory for Ireland (in 120 minutes) would qualify them for the World Cup. Caroline Weir, the Scotland captain says: “They’re more of a team unit with a lot of fight. Ireland win the ball in Scotland’s half and Heather Payne takes a shot but straight at the goalkeeper. A bit of indecision after a through ball and Scotland have a claim for another penalty for a foul on Brosnan, but they win a corner. Scotland clear it out for a throw and another Campbell long throw causes trouble again but Payne puts the ball over the bar from inside the box. Then Scotland win the ball back high up the pitch but caught offside. Amber Barrett on for Ireland, Emma Mukandi and Christy Grimshaw on for Scotland off the bench. Ireland clear the ball. What a moment of brilliance by Ireland and could end up a magical moment in Irish soccer. Ireland clear and Barrett wins the ball importantly. 92 mins: Scotland play the ball about patiently despite the moment.

However, Caroline Weir was unable to find the net as Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan dived to her left to save well. Scotland responded to this ...

Both teams made a number of substitutes and it was an Ireland substitute who made the breakthrough in the 72nd minute, as Amber Barrett raced away before toe-poking beyond Gibson and into the far corner. It was proving to be an end-to-end contest and Ireland's O'Gorman Aine O'Gorman should have put the away side in front as she missed a simple headed chance from close range. Ireland were next to threaten in the 28th minute, as Megan Campbell's long throw ended up in the back of the net, but it was ruled that no-one got a touch and so the goal was disallowed.