Amber Barrett came off the bench to send the Republic of Ireland to the Women’s World Cup finals for the first time in their history with a 1-0 win over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
Barrett produced a cool finish 18 minutes from time after Real Madrid star Caroline Weir had a first-half penalty saved for Scotland.
Both sides started the night unsure of their respective fates, but Portugal’s win over Iceland meant a win would be enough for either side to seal their place in Australia and New Zealand next year.
Switzerland are also headed to the World Cup after coming from behind to beat Wales 2-1.
Rhainnon Roberts put the visitors in front in Zurich, but Ramona Bachmann levelled to sent the game into extra-time. Fabienne Humm then struck the winner for the Swiss.
Portugal’s extra-time win over Iceland was not enough to guarantee qualification as they now face an inter-confederation playoff in New Zealand in February.
