Ireland coast into play-off final with routine win

Republic of Ireland win 9-0 on aggregate

The Republic of Ireland coasted into the Euro 2025 play-off final with a routine defeat of a limited, but doggedly committed Georgia at Tallaght Stadium.

Julie-Ann Russell and Kyra Carusa had the Girls in Green two goals to the good by half-time, with Katie McCabe drilling home a third to ensure the vast majority of the 8,745 in attendance went home happy.

It wasn't a vintage performance by any means. Eileen Gleeson's charges were expected to rain in the goals against a team they had beaten 6-0 in Tbilisi last Friday night.

It didn't happen, but ultimately they got the job done with loads to spare.

Ireland can dust themselves down now and look forward to a massive two-legged showdown against either Wales or Slovakia in November/December with a precious ticket to Switzerland up for grabs.

Gleeson didn't overly tinker with the XI that started in Tbilisi. Marissa Sheva and Jessie Stapleton came in for Tyler Toland and Lily Agg, while goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan returned having served a one-game ban.

The noises from the Ireland camp over the last few days suggested they wanted to put on a show in Tallaght, and they certainly started with intent.

Julie-Ann Russell gives Ireland an early lead. It looks as if the Georgians are in for a long night at Tallaght Stadium.