WHILE THE REPUBLIC of Ireland’s Euro 2022 qualification quest came to an end tonight, Northern Ireland’s hopes of etching their names into history lives on.
Kenny Shiels’ Northern Ireland secured a play-off spot with a 5-1 victory over the Faroe Islands at Seaview, as their dream of reaching a first-ever major tournament continues.
While the visitors took a shock lead with just four minutes on the clock through Jensa Kannuberg Torolvsdottir, Liverpool star Rachel Furness’ headed equaliser two minutes later settled the North.
Kirsty McGuinness made it 2-1 by half time, before Birmingham City’s Chloe McCarron added another excellent strike just inside the hour-mark. Substitute Caitlin McGuinness, Kirsty’s younger sister and Sion Swifts team-mate, grabbed their fourth in the 77th minute, while an own goal in the 88th ensured it finished 5-1.
🍾 GET IN!!!!! #GAWA pic.twitter.com/LpUWzOe8HA
— Northern Ireland (@NorthernIreland) December 1, 2020
Former Derry City boss Shiels will now lead his side to their first-ever play-off for a major tournament next year ahead of the 2022 finals in England, having retained second spot in Group C with Wales left disappointed despite a 3-0 win over Belarus.
Vera Pauw’s Ireland share that disappointment after they were beaten 3-1 by Germany at Tallaght Stadium tonight; Katie McCabe’s excellent penalty just before half time not enough to stop the all-conquering Germans who qualified automatically for the tournament as they eye a ninth European crown.
Ukraine qualified as runners-up in Group I, having been pushed all the way by minnows Montenegro in Kiev — the destination where Ireland’s qualification ultimately came crashing down.
