Ireland Player Ratings As Crazy Goal Secures Playoff Draw In Cardiff | Balls.ie

Wales 1-1 Ireland

Half time in the Euro 2025 playoff final and Ireland and Wales sit all square.

A record home crowd were in attendance at the Cardiff City Stadium, as Ireland led by Eileen Gleeson sought to move one step closer to a first-ever European Championship appearance.

Ireland had lost to Wales in Tallaght in February, and it was one of the goalscorers from that night Lily Woodham who opened the scoring again in Cardiff, after some lacklustre defending from the visitors.

However, an audacious, speculative attempt from Ruesha Littlejohn shortly before half-time careered in off Wales goalie Olivia Clark to bring a deserved equaliser for Ireland. The scores would remain 1-1, as the Girls in Green set up an all-or-nothing showdown in Dublin for Tuesday night’s second leg.

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Ireland player ratings from playoff first leg v Wales

Courtney Brosnan – 7

Couldn’t have done any more for Wales’ opener. Commanded her box well and came out strongly as a sweeper when called upon.

Held firm as Ireland came under a wave of pressure after the hour.

Katie McCabe – 7

29 November 2024; Katie McCabe of Republic of Ireland in action against Rachel Rowe of Wales during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Play-off Round Two first leg match between Wales and Republic of Ireland at Cardiff City Stadium in Wales. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

In typical Katie McCabe fashion, there were some feisty clashes early on, as the Ireland captain fouled Holland twice in the opening stages. She could possibly have done better in the lead-up to Woodham’s goal, though it seemed more of a structural issue behind her.

However, this was a driving, determined performance from McCabe, who produced some big tackles and clever touches in the first half.

Caitlin Hayes – 5.5

Like McCabe, she was found wanting in the build-up to Woodham’s goal. Largely reliable when she found the ball at her feet, though she drew unnecessary pressure on herself on a few occasions. She was lucky not to be punished by Jones in one of those situations on the hour mark.

Forced a great save from Clark with a powerful volley on 75 minutes.

Niamh Fahey – 5

Brought into the side for the injured Aoife Mannion, Niamh Fahey was at fault for Wales’ first goal, as her wild swipe missed the ball in the box and allowed the ball to roll through to Woodham.

Having started the game solidly, she seemed a little unnerved in the moments after the goal, though she gradually settled as Ireland took control of the game once more.

Like the rest of the Ireland rearguard, she held firm as Wales threatened in the second half.

Anna Patten – 7.5

An impressive first-half performance on the ball saw Anna Patten drive forward and join the Ireland attack on several occasions, while her long balls over the top to Kyra Carusa were consistently threatening.

Her defensive efforts were strong through, consistently intercepting Welsh through balls and delivering an impressive display in the face of Welsh second-half pressure.

Heather Payne – 5

29 November 2024; Heather Payne of Republic of Ireland in action against Alice Griffiths, left, and Lily Woodham of Wales during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Play-off Round Two first leg match between Wales and Republic of Ireland at Cardiff City Stadium in Wales. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

A little clumsy on the ball early on as she struggled to settle, and will be disappointed to have lost Woodham at the back post for the Welsh goal.

Started to steady and grow in influence down the right flank as the first half progressed.

Ruesha Littlejohn – 8

Ruesha Littlejohn brings a whole lot of energy anytime she starts in midfield for Ireland, and she was excellent in breaking up Wales’ counter-attacking play.

The first Ireland goal was entirely Ruesha Littlejohn’s work, as her powerful, dipping shot from 30 yards careered off the crossbar and rebounded in off Wales keeper Olivia Clark.

Ireland’s standout player, she was withdrawn with just over ten minutes to go. A brilliant return to the team.

Lily Agg – 5

Didn’t see much of the ball and perhaps Wales slipped past her more often than she might have liked.

Withdrawn at half-time for Marissa Sheva.

Denise O’Sullivan – 6

She drove the team on in the aftermath of Woodham’s opener, pressing Wales ferociously on the edge of their box – a recurring theme of the evening.

As always, much of Ireland’s brightest attacking play went through her.

Kyra Carusa – 5.5

Her hold-up play was excellent in the first half, as Anna Patten regularly found her with punts over the top. She headed the ball on well for Russell’s early chance and linked up well with O’Sullivan in Ireland’s best attacking play.

Struggled to have much of an impact after the break.

Julie-Ann Russell – 5

29 November 2024; Julie-Ann Russell of Republic of Ireland has a shot on goal despite the attention of Rhiannon Roberts of Wales during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Play-off Round Two first leg match between Wales and Republic of Ireland at Cardiff City Stadium in Wales. Photo by Harry Murphy/Sportsfile

Got into good positions early on but was marshalled well by Welsh centre-backs. Her early snatched shot came under tight pressure from Rhiannon Roberts. Saw little of the ball in the first half.

Showed some tenacity as Ireland finally got some of the ball with 20 or so minutes to go. Withdrawn after 78 minutes for Kiernan.

Substitutes

Marissa Sheva (for Agg, h/t) – 6

Ireland did not find themselves in too many attacking situations after Sheva came on, and she struggled to get much time on the ball.

Got stuck in and injected some calm as Ireland saw more of the ball late on.

Leanne Kiernan (for Russell, 79′) – 5

Had little time to make much of an attacking impact but tracked back well. Threatened with a driving run into the Welsh box in injury time.

Jessie Stapleton (for Littlejohn, 79′) – 5

Slotted in well at the base of midfield.

Amber Barrett (for Carusa, 88′) – n/a

Not on long enough to rate.

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