Wales make footballing history in defiant win

Wales fans and players are celebrating after they made history by reaching a major women’s tournament for the first time.

After a level first leg in Cardiff, Wales came out on top against the Republic of Ireland in the second leg, securing their place in the 2025 Euros.

Wales’ record goalscorer and cap holder Jess Fishlock described the win as being the proudest moment of her life “by far”.

Supporters both in Dublin and on home soil have spoke of their pride for the women who are inspiring the next generation.

Eight-year-old Harlow Healey was “so happy” to be at the game with her dad in Dublin among a crowd of 25,832 supporters.

Speaking of the win, her father Joey said the players have “inspired the next generation of Welsh women football players.”

Wales fan Vikky Perkins, 51, watched the game in Cardiff and said the grit shown by the women matches the Welsh spirit.

“It was impossible to breathe for the last ten minutes, Wales played with tenacity and sustained quality and it paid of,” she added.

“Such an incredible achievement for these individuals, a huge moment for women’s football and a proud moment for our country.”

Ruth Billingham, 46, from Cardiff, admitted she was not really a football fan but Wales’ journey has had her and her daughter gripped.

“What an inspiring win! We saw Wales play Ireland in Cardiff last week and it was a great atmosphere. Tonight was the icing on the cake. Bring on the euros!” she said.

Her dad, a Cardiff city and Wales supporter for 40 years, Nigel Billingham, spoke of it being a really emotional win for him.

The 76-year-old said: “I’ve been to see both the games in Cardiff [play-off semi-final and first leg of the final] and it’s tremendous the team will go to Switzerland.”

“A great day for Welsh football,” he added.

John Foster was at the game and said the VAR got his pulse going: “I had no idea what was going on with the VAR check so it was a relief to see what way it went and Cain took it so well, you didn’t get much cooler than that.”

The 52-year-old added that the last 20 minutes were tense but they “held on brilliantly”, adding that he thought “Katie McCabe was pretty lucky to stay on as but I’m an Arsenal fan so I’ll allow it.”