Six-goal away win takes Republic of Ireland closer to Euro 2025

Republic of Ireland took a huge step in their quest for Euro 2025 qualification with a thumping 6-0 win over Georgia in the first leg of their play-off in Tbilisi.

Ireland made their attacking intentions known from the outset but had to wait until the 35th minute to make their breakthrough, with Katie McCabe’s penalty giving them a half-time lead following a handball.

Second-half strikes from Kyra Carusa, McCabe, Jessie Stapleton, Marissa Sheeva and Aoife Mannion and all but secured a tie with Slovakia or Wales as the Republic bid to reach their first European Championships.

After the break, McCabe’s delivery found Carusa whose resulting effort hit the crossbar.

But, Georgia’s reprieve was short-lived as Carusa made it 3-0, sidefooting in from Abbie Larkin’s cross.

The game was over as a contest midway through the second half as McCabe lobbed in from 30 yards for her second of the night.

Ireland added three more late on courtesy of Stapleton and Sheeva’s first senior international goals, before Mannion’s header completed the rout.