Wales make football history with a defiant victory

Wales fans and players are celebrating making history by taking part in a major women’s tournament for the first time.

After one balanced first leg in CardiffIn the second leg, Wales beat the Republic of Ireland and secured their place at Euro 2025.

Jess Fishlock, Wales’ record goalscorer and international defender, described the win as “the win”. “proudest moment of her life”.

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

Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan joined fans’ praise in a post on X, describing Wales’ players as “history makers”.

She added: “An incredible achievement that makes us all proud.”

Former captain Laura McAllister said she was “incredibly emotional but also so proud of the efforts of these girls.”

She had previously said women’s football could be promoted in Wales “Stratospheric heights” if the national team has qualified for Euro 2025.

“We waited for this for a very long time, but we always knew the moment would come.

“Nobody deserves this more than this team and this group. I couldn’t be happier for her.”

She added that she was secretly dreading the European Championship draw on December 16 in Lausanne, but now she “can’t wait.”

“My first tournament as UEFA vice-president with Cymru. I can barely wait for it.”

The players’ families also joined in the congratulations, with defender Lily Woodham’s mother, Julie, describing the team as “amazing”.

After the game she said: “I can’t believe we did it. Off to Switzerland.”

Alan Clark expressed his joy and said he was “incredibly proud” of his daughter Olivia Clark.

He said: “She has fought for so long, so many years to get to this stage and she is number one in Wales and she is in the European Championship final – it is just incredible. I’m so proud, brilliant.”

Gareth Fishlock, Jess Fishlock’s brother, said he was “so happy” for Jess and described the win as “amazing for the country and everyone involved”.

Eight-year-old Harlow said she was “so happy” to be at the game with her dad in Dublin in front of 25,832 fans.

Speaking about the win, her father Joey Healey, 34, said the players had “inspired the next generation of Welsh footballers”.

“Thanks to these girls and what they did tonight, the sky is the limit now.”

He added that they “definitely wanted to go to Switzerland, but the woman doesn’t know yet.”

Wales fan Vikky Perkins, 51, watched the game in Cardiff and said the women’s courage matched the Welsh spirit.

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

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

Ruth Billingham, 46, from Cardiff, admitted she wasn’t really a football fan but the trip to Wales kept her and her daughter busy.

“What an inspiring victory! Last week we saw Wales play Ireland in Cardiff and it was a great atmosphere. Tonight was the icing on the cake. Bring on the European Championships!” she said.

Her father, Nigel Billingham, who has supported the city of Cardiff and Wales for 40 years, spoke of a truly emotional victory for him.

The 76-year-old said: “I watched both games in Cardiff (play-off semi-final and first leg of the final) and it’s great that the team will be traveling to Switzerland.”

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

Judy Shaw, 60, said after the team had lost narrowly so many times, she was “completely thrilled” with the result.

She said: “I’m screaming, screaming, jumping around the room. After so many times we are so close. Qualification for the European Championships!”

“Incredibly amazing fantastic. Flights to Switzerland are being booked.”

Her daughter Holly Lewis, 28, was in Dublin and said she “can’t put into words how it feels”.

“There is nothing better than following this team. Wales deserve this. They’ve deserved this for so long and I’m just so happy for the team that all their hard work has been worth it.”

“I think this will be really important for women’s football in Wales. Hopefully it will encourage more people to come to the games and support the team.”

“This is the start of something and I can’t wait to see what happens next.”

Rhodri Williams, watching from a pub in Cardiff, said he follows the men so it would be wrong for him not to travel to Switzerland and support the women in their first major tournament next year.

He added: “It was a really good performance from the girls, I’m looking forward to going there next summer.”

Steffano Antoniazzi, from Aberystwyth, said he was very nervous but Wales “defended resolutely”.

“We’ve seen a big uptick in women’s and men’s football so we hope it continues and we can see more and more girls coming through the system.”

“Who knows what the future will bring.”

Jon Foster said the VAR got his pulse racing: “I had no idea what was going on with the VAR check so it was a relief to see how it went and Cain handled it so well that “You haven’t gotten much cooler.”

The 52-year-old added that the last 20 minutes had been tense but they “held on brilliantly”, adding that he felt “Katie McCabe was very lucky to carry on but I’m Arsenal -Fan, so I’ll allow it.” “

Wales will find out who their opponents are at Euro 2025 on December 16.

The draw will take place at 5pm GMT in Lausanne, Switzerland and you can watch and follow it live on the BBC.

They join European champions England in qualifying for next summer’s tournament.

Additional reporting by Ellie Carter and Oscar Edwards