Tonight, Wales and Northern Ireland Women’s teams lead the race to snatch away Group C’s second place qualification spot for the 2022 Euro tournament.
However, who will guarantee their spot in the finals as Wales take on Belarus and Northern Ireland face the Faroe Islands in a battle to finish on more points. Ashley Adamson-Edwards takes you through the action in both games as it happens.
The tale of Group C
Nearly 14 months ago, the qualification stage for the Women’s Euros began with Wales kicking off the contest in fine form with a 6-0 thrashing of the Faroe Islands. Back then, manager Jayne Ludlow would never have imagined that after all this time, her team would still be battling out for a place in the in the finals. However thanks to the coronavirus, Group C is only just approaching its long-awaited end.
| Teams | Played | W | D | L | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Norway | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 33 | 18 |
| 2 | Wales | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 11 |
| 3 | N.Ireland | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | -4 | 11 |
| 4 | Belarus | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | -1 | 6 |
| 5 | F.Islands | 6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | -37 | 0 |
Since the fixtures started back in August 2019, Norway have been the ones that proved their quality the most. Whilst collecting 18 points from 6 games, Even Pellerud’s side have already engraved themselves into 2022’s competition.
Now, only second place remains as a means for a team to qualify, with Wales and Northern Ireland joint on 11 points. Whoever comes out on top over their last game will collect that all important spot to play in the finals.
If both teams manage to win, then Northern Ireland will take the spot thanks to their two away goals they secured away to Wales last year in a 2-2 draw. So despite Wales sitting 15 goals higher on goal difference than the Northern Irish, it was the away goals they needed.
But, if either side collect more points than the other from the final clash, then that nation will succeed and snatch the spot. With the other, having all their efforts squandered.
At the bottom though, are the Faroe Islands who are still searching for their first goal of the groups stage, let alone accumulating enough points to trouble the qualification positions.
Team News
Northern Ireland vs Faroe Islands
At 7pm tonight, the Seaview Stadium will host what looks to be Northern Irelands deciding match in their efforts to seal a place at the 2022 Euros.
After last Friday’s heart racing 3-2 win against Belarus, Northern Ireland manager Kenny Sheils will prepare everything he can so that his side can breeze past the groups worst performer.
Following a 6-0 hammering of tonight’s opponents the last time they met, assistant manager Gary Boyd shared his teams determination as they prepare for tonight:
“The camp is really positive. Everybody is buzzing but they also know the job’s not done yet,”
On the other side of things though, Faroe Islands manager John Peterson will hopefully look to start a fresh team tonight in a bid to experiment in what is now just another meaningless match.
Wales vs Belarus
As Rodney Park prepares itself to host tonight’s other Group C match at 7:10pm, Wales will have to pull off a solid win against Belarus whilst hope that the Faroe Islands can cause the biggest upset of the competition if they want to qualify.
Wales manager Jayne Ludlow displayed her optimistic but realistic mindset in a most recent press conference:
“I’d love to hold out a slight bit of hope the Faroes could get something, I’d love that to happen and to be fair to the Faroes, the second time we played them they were a lot harder to beat, more organised, but asking a team with the set-up they to come up against a team filled with confidence and flying high, I would be amazed if that happens,”
Meanwhile Eduard Demonkovets will also be hopeful they can prove themselves here tonight after only losing 0-1 the last time they faced The Dragons.
Starting Line-ups
Northern Ireland
Jackie Burns (12) starts between the sticks for Northern Ireland tonight as Ashley Hutton (6) and Sarah McFadden (4) act as her main protection as the centre-backs. Meanwhile, Julie Nelson (5) and captain Marissa Callaghan (8) take up the full-back roles.
The Northern Ireland midfield then reads as Lauren Wade (11), Rachel Furness (10), Chloe McCarron (7) and Nadene Caldwell (16).
Sheils will then look for Emily Wilson (19) and Kirsty McGuinness (9) to grab the goals that could make history.
Embed from Getty ImagesFaroe Islands
In goal for the Faroe’s is Óluva Joensen (1). Her most important colleagues for tonight are Birita Ryan (4) and Jacoba Langgaard (18) who take up the centre-back roles. These will then be flanked in a back four by Captain, Asla Johannesen (7) and Sanna Svarvadal (16).
To sit in just front back line, John Peterson has chosen Elisabet Vang (2), with Kára Djurhuus (8) and Sara Lamhauge (11) acting as more of a box to box paring.
Meanwhile Julia Mortensen (9) will take up the left-midfield position and Jensa Torolvsdottir (13) will be on the opposite side. Finally, as the Faroe Islands look to score their first goal this campaign, Anna Hansen (10) will start as the alone striker.
Wales
Ludlow lines up her Welsh side as follows:
In goal will be Laura O’Sullivan (1) who will be protected by a back four of Charlie Estcourt (16), Josie Green (6), Hayley Ladd (14), Rhiannon Roberts (5).
Whereas, Ffion Morgan (2) and Natasha Harding (11) will be looking to link up with the full-backs as they charge down the wings.
To keep things flowing Sophie Ingle (4) and Angharad James (8) will play through the middle of the park. With the threatening options of Jess Fishlock (10) and Rachel Rowe (13) in the striker positions.
Embed from Getty ImagesBelarus
As the Belarus team travel to Rodney Park, they start with Natalia Voskobovich (1) in goal and a defence that reads as Valeryia Bohdan (16), Anna Kozyupa (9), Ksenia Kubichnaya (20) and Viktpriya Kazakevich (8).
Whereas, in midfield the visitors start with Anna Pilipenko (23), Anastasiya Novikova (6) and Anastasia Linnik (3).
The Belarusian’s will then look to break down the Welsh defence with an attack force that reads: Anastasia Shuppo (15), Anastasia Shcherbachenia (5) and Karina Olkhovik (14).
Kick-Off
NIR vs FRO
0′ We’re underway here at Seaview as the Faroe’s kick off.
For Northern Irelands sake, lets hope they start off well as they try to make history over the next 90 minutes.
1′ Wade’s shot from outside is no where near strong enough to trouble the keeper, as the Faroe’s retain possession.
5′ GOAL – Faroe Islands
The Faroe’s have just gone and opened the game to score their goal of the competition!
After a shot was deflected all the way through the Northern Ireland defence, Tórolvsdóttir was given an easy tap in after anticipating the chance.
6′ GOAL – Northern Ireland
The Faroe lead is destroyed already as Furness headers an equalizer home for her country!
After a corner comes into to force Joensen to parry the ball out, Furness was able to pounce on the chance to put her side back into the contest with a defining header.
WAL vs BLR
Northern Ireland vs Faroe Islands
At 7pm tonight, the Seaview Stadium will host what looks to be Northern Irelands deciding match in their efforts to seal a place at the 2022 Euros.
After last Friday’s heart racing 3-2 win against Belarus, Northern Ireland manager Kenny Sheils will prepare everything he can so that his side can breeze past the groups worst performer.
Following a 6-0 hammering of tonight’s opponents the last time they met, assistant manager Gary Boyd shared his teams determination as they prepare for tonight:
“The camp is really positive. Everybody is buzzing but they also know the job’s not done yet,”
On the other side of things though, Faroe Islands manager John Peterson will hopefully look to start a fresh team tonight in a bid to experiment in what is now just another meaningless match.
Starting Line-ups
Northern Ireland
Jackie Burns (12) starts between the sticks for Northern Ireland tonight as Ashley Hutton (6) and Sarah McFadden (4) act as her main protection as the centre-backs. Meanwhile, Julie Nelson (5) and captain Marissa Callaghan (8) take up the full-back roles.
The Northern Ireland midfield then reads as Lauren Wade (11), Rachel Furness (10), Chloe McCarron (7) and Nadene Caldwell (16).
Sheils will then look for Emily Wilson (19) and Kirsty McGuinness (9) to grab the goals that could make history.
Faroe Islands
In goal for the Faroe’s is Óluva Joensen (1). Her most important colleagues for tonight are Birita Ryan (4) and Jacoba Langgaard (18) who take up the centre-back roles. These will then be flanked in a back four by Captain, Asla Johannesen (7) and Sanna Svarvadal (16).
To sit in just front back line, John Peterson has chosen Elisabet Vang (2), with Kára Djurhuus (8) and Sara Lamhauge (11) acting as more of a box to box paring.
Meanwhile Julia Mortensen (9) will take up the left-midfield position and Jensa Torolvsdottir (13) will be on the opposite side. Finally, as the Faroe Islands look to score their first goal this campaign, Anna Hansen (10) will start as the alone striker.
Wales vs Belarus
As Rodney Park prepares itself to host tonight’s other Group C match at 7:10pm, Wales will have to pull off a solid win against Belarus whilst hope that the Faroe Islands can cause the biggest upset of the competition.
Wales manager Jayne Ludlow displayed her optimistic but realistic mindset in a most recent press conference:
“I’d love to hold out a slight bit of hope the Faroes could get something, I’d love that to happen and to be fair to the Faroes, the second time we played them they were a lot harder to beat, more organised, but asking a team with the set-up they to come up against a team filled with confidence and flying high, I would be amazed if that happens,”
Meanwhile Eduard Demonkovets will also be hopeful they can prove themselves here tonight after only losing 0-1 the last time they faced The Dragons.
Starting line-ups
Wales
Ludlow lines up her Welsh side as follows:
In goal will be Laura O’Sullivan (1) who will be protected by a back four of Charlie Estcourt (16), Josie Green (6), Hayley Ladd (14), Rhiannon Roberts (5).
Whereas, Ffion Morgan (2) and Natasha Harding (11) will be looking to link up with the full-backs as they charge down the wings.
To keep things flowing Sophie Ingle (4) and Angharad James (8) will play through the middle of the park. With the threatening options of Jess Fishlock (10) and Rachel Rowe (13).
Belarus
As the Belarus team travel to Rodney Park, they start with Natalia Voskobovich (1) in goal and a defence that reads as Valeryia Bohdan (16), Anna Kozyupa (9), Ksenia Kubichnaya (20) and Viktpriya Kazakevich (8).
Whereas, in midfield the visitors start with Anna Pilipenko (23), Anastasiya Novikova (6) and Anastasia Linnik (3).
The Belarusian’s will then look to break down the Welsh defence with an attack force that reads: Anastasia Shuppo (15), Anastasia Shcherbachenia (5) and Karina Olkhovik (14).
Kick off
NIR vs FRO
0′ We’re underway here at Seaview as the Faroe’s kicks off.
For Northern Irelands sake, lets hope they start off well as they try to make history over the next 90 minutes.
NIR vs FRO
1′ Wade’s shot from outside is no where near strong enough to trouble the keeper,
5′ GOAL – Faroe Islands
The Faroe’s have just gone and opened the game to score their goal of the competition!
After a shot was deflected all the way through the Northern Ireland defence, Tórolvsdóttir was given an easy tap in after anticipating the chance.
NIR vs FRO
6′ GOAL – Northern Ireland
The Faroe lead is destroyed already as Furness headers an equalizer home for her country!
After a corner comes into to force Joensen to parry the ball out, Furness was able to pounce on the chance to put her side back into the contest with a defining header.
WAL vs BLR
0′ The action has started here at Rodney Park as Belarus gets us going.
In what looks to be such a close match up, who do you think will come out on top this evening?
WAL vs BLR
4′ Shcherbachenia manages to latch onto a deflected cross into the Welsh box but the effort is too reckless to effect O’Sullivan, as Wales are awarded a goal kick.
NIR vs FRO
20′ Faroe Islands are doing well so far to keep Sheils’ side at bay, however they’re failing to pose any real threat up the other end.
NIR vs FRO
22′ Wilson comes so close to putting Northern Ireland in front for the first time tonight!
The chance came from a deflected cross bouncing the ball through to Wilson, but the attacker just miss kicks the ball to allow the keeper to sweep the chance away.
WAL vs BLR
11′ A Welsh header is glanced just wide by number 13 as she towered above her opposition defenders.
Although Northern Ireland are continuing to push on in Belfast, Wales won’t stop their efforts in trying to defeat their visitor to Rodney Park.
NIR vs Fro
27′ GOAL – Northern Ireland
McGuinnes scores bends the ball into the right-hand corner to score her seventh international goal!
Sheils’ will be delighted that one of his star players was able to keep her composure and score a brilliantly placed shot. 2-1 Northern Ireland.
WAL vs BLR
15′ GOAL – Wales
Number 11 managers to squeeze the ball into the back of the net to place Wales into the lead.
Once number 13 got down the wing with pace, number 11 was waiting in the 6-yard box who swung at the chance. After the first effort was scuffed and ended up going no where, she followed up with another shot which was just about strong enough to roll past Voskobovich. Great determination from the talisman.
Although the news from Belfast isn’t the most pleasing for Ludlow’s side, they’re doing everything they can here as they into the lead.
23′ Fishlock continues to dazzle the Belarus back line with her fine ball control, but eventually possession is scrambled back to the away side.
NIR vs FRO
38′ Wade looked as though she was about to bend one into the top-left corner. However, her shot was spoiled by the spin placed on the ball that eventually turned it into the keepers arms.
WAL vs BLR
26′ Substitution for Belarus
WAL vs BLR
31′ After a beautiful passage of play from Wales, Morgan comes so close to doubling the lead with a great header against the post!
Once Fishlock was found just inside the left side of the box, she was able to show her ability with a quick cross into Morgan. Unfortunately, the effort was directed away from the keeper just a little too much.
WAL vs BLR
35′ GOAL – Wales
They’ve tried and tried again but finally The Dragons have managed to put themselves two in front!
46′ Ladd provides a fine block for her country as Shcherbachenia tried to squeeze a shot past the defender. But once again, the Belarus attack just isn’t strong enough, with a lack of composure acting as their main issue going into half-time.
NIR vs FRO
47′ The referee has called for half-time at Seawview as the score reads 2-1 to the home side.
Which team do you think deserved to be winning after the first 45?
WAL vs BLR
47′ Now that the first 45 minutes has come to an end, Wales go into the dressing room with a 2-0 lead.
Now that both games’ first half’s had finished, which country do you think will snatch the second place qualification spot?
Half-time
NIR vs FRO
After a shock lead from the Faroe Islands, Sheils’ side showed the superior quality when they were able to score two before the break.
Furness’ header allowed the home side to level the game and then McGuiness bent a brilliant shot into the bottom right corner to put Northern Ireland that much closer to the finals in 2022.
WAL vs BLR
Second-half
NIR vs FRO
46′ The second-half has just commenced here at Seaview, with Northern Ireland leading by one goal.
However, has Sheils’ side done enough to secure their qualification?
NIR vs FRO
48′ Callaghan misses out on placing Northern Ireland two goals ahead after missing a volley at two yards out.
Joensen did a fine job at stopping the initial header after an Irish cross, but pushed the ball back out to Challaghan who lacked composure when it mattered.
NIR vs FRO
54′ Furness wins a corner kick for Northern Ireland after her shot was deflected out from outside the box.
The chance was created by some high pressing from Sheils’ side which enabled Furness to turn and shoot.
Do you think that since the arrival of Sheils’ as head coach, that this Northern Ireland side has been transformed?
NIR vs FRO
56′ GOAL – Northern Ireland
McCarron comes out of nowhere with fantastic strike into the top-corner!
After pulling the strings in midfield all game, McCarron picks up the ball at about 30 yards out, composes herself and dips a shot over and past the Faroes keeper.
WAL vs BLR
46′ Now that the team are out onto the pitch, its time for the second portion of the Rodney Park game to begin, as Wales lead Belarus by two goals.
Can Ludlow guide her side to victory here to give her chance every hope of still snatching second place?
WAL vs BLR
49′ Kazakevich does well to clear away a Welsh attack with no nonsense piece of play.
If Belarus want to take anything from this game, Kazakevich will need to show more of the same.
NIR vs FRO
64′ Substitution – Northern Ireland
NIR vs FRO
68′ Kelly makes a fine introduction to the game as she left up to clash with a Faroe player and give the opposition a free-kick.
Despite Kelly’s error, she’s a player that’s known for influencing a game with her sharp foot-work and will certainly trouble the Faroe’s.
WAL vs BLR
58′ What an opportunity for Belarus as their captain headers the ball wide from a yard out!
Shcherbachenia’s free-kick was hit with power and ferocity as it cannoned against the cross-bar, the ball then flew over to the back post where the captain for Belarus wasn’t able to take her chance.
NIR vs FRO
75′ Kelly comes so close to proving her ability as her shot just about misses the top-left of the Faroe’s net.
She really is a player with great ability which was pout on show here after taking the ball down, dropping her shoulder past one defender and setting her left foot up for a powerful effort.
NIR vs FRO
77′ GOAL – Northern Ireland
The home side go 4-1 up as McGuinness lashes the ball in from close distance!
Northern Ireland are close to making history here as all hope for Wales is slowly being eliminated. Can they make the finals after such a long qualifying campaign?
WAL vs BLR
69′ Wales really are giving it everything tonight at Rodney Park as Fishlock’s effort is fired just past after some brilliant build up play from Ludlow’s side.
WAL vs BLR
WAL vs BLR
71′ Penalty – Wales
Harding did really well to win the penalty whilst using her strength to show the Belarus player away from the ball, therefore forcing a foul inside the box.
WAL vs BLR
72′ GOAL – Wales
Fishlock shows the world just how to take a penalty with accuracy and power to place the ball into the bottom left.
Although Wales won’t be going home with want they wanted tonight, they’ve shown exactly why they were so close to qualifying for Euro 2022 with an ecstatic performance tonight.
WAL vs BLR
NIR vs FRO
87′ GOAL – Northern Ireland
Furness comes out of nowhere to tap the ball in from the back post!
With the ball being whipped in from the corner, Furness did so well sneak in at the back and leave the Faroe players stunned.
Northern Ireland 5-1 Faroe Islands.
NIR vs FRO
95′ Full-time
Northern Ireland have made history here tonight as the referee blows for the final whistle!
It’s going to be a night of celebrations at Seaview as Sheils’ side beat Faroe Irelands 5-1 to grab the second place spot.
What a moment for Northern Ireland as their 14-month-long group stage is finally put to an end.
WAL vs BLR
85′ Fishlock is almost able to take the ball around the keeper to give her side a 4th but id denied by the kepper!
Ingle played a fantastically weighted ball through to the star-women which allowed Ludlow the prospect of her side scoring again. However, Fishlock can’t score every chance she gets as the score remains 3-0.
WAL vs BLR
Fishlock and Harding are taken off the field by Ludlow to give the two scorers a well-deserved rest.
The sheer creative genius that Fishlock has brought to the field tonight has been remarkable to watch and Harding did well to snatch the first goal.
WAL vs BLR
96′ Full time.
Wales are left heartbroken tonight as their European dream is washed away with Northern Ireland progressing into second place.
However, Ludlow’s side put on an impressive performance as they
