The Ireland Women’s National Team secured a 6-0 victory over Georgia in the First Leg of their UEFA EURO 2025 Qualifying Play-Off.
Goals from Katie McCabe (2), Kyra Carusa, Jessie Stapleton, Marissa Sheva and Aoife Mannion gave the Girls in Green an early advantage in this tie.
Nothing is guaranteed yet and Head Coach Eileen Gleeson will be preaching that ahead of the Second Leg on Tuesday, October 29th in Tallaght Stadium.
This was a game where Ireland had to work hard to break down their hosts with the opening goal coming from the penalty spot with McCabe converting following excellent work by Abbie Larkin.
It was Larkin who became provider for their second goal on 59 minutes when Carusa neatly back heeled a low cross from the Dubliner into the back of the net.
There were several contenders to claim the Sky Ireland Player of the Match Award but Larkin deservedly got it even though it was a night that saw Stapleton, Sheva and Mannion all score their first WNT goals.
The third goal was one made to share on social media as captain McCabe picked up possession inside the opposition’s half and let rip with a long-range effort that beautifully sailed in.
Sheva’s strike from distance on 90 minutes was also a superb goal after Stapleton had bundled in from close range and Mannion rounded off the scoring with a strong header at the back post.
This is the third time that Ireland have beaten Georgia in as many meetings, but they know that they need to go again in the Second Leg in order to advance to Round 2 of this Play-Off series.
Georgia: Tatia Gabunia; Salome Gasviani, Mariam Kalandadze, Nino Chkhartishvili (Lizi Kankia 70), Sopiko Narsia; Nino Pasikashvili, Natia Danelia, Maiko Bebia; Gvantsa Kadgishvil, Irina Khaburdzar (Tinatin Amballia 76), Ana Cheminava (Lizi Mktserakishivi 90).
Ireland: Grace Moloney; Aoife Mannion, Caitlin Hayes, Anna Patten; Abbie Larkin, Denise O’Sullivan, Tyler Toland (Jessie Stapleton 75), Lily Agg (Marissa Sheva 56), Katie McCabe; Julie-Ann Russell (Izzy Atkinson 93) Kyra Carusa (Leanne Kiernan 75).Â
Referee: Emanuela Rusta (Albania).
