Euro 2025: Wales make football history with stunning win

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

After one First leg level in CardiffWales came out on top against the Republic of Ireland in the second leg, securing their place at Euro 2025.

Wales’ record goalscorer and cap holder Jess Fishlock described the win as “Proudest moment of his life”.

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

Welsh First Minister Alvind Morgan joined supporters in praising them in a post on X, calling the Welsh players “history makers”.

He added: “An incredible performance to make us all proud.”

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

He previously said women’s football in Wales could be taken over. “Stratospheric Heights” If the national team qualifies for Euro 2025.

“We’ve been waiting for this for a long time but we always knew the moment would come.

“Nobody deserves it more than this squad and this group. I couldn’t be happier for them.”

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

“My first tournament as Uefa Vice President playing Cymru. Can’t wait.”

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

Speaking after the match, she said: “I can’t believe we’ve done it. Off to Switzerland.”

Alan Clarke echoed that joy when he said he was “incredibly proud” of his daughter Olivia Clarke.

He said: “She’s fought for so many years to get to this stage and she’s Wales’ number one and she’s in a Euro final – it’s just unbelievable. I’m so proud, so fantastic.”

Jess Fishlock’s brother Gareth Fishlock said he was “delighted” for Jess and described the win as “wonderful for the country and everyone involved”.

Eight-year-old Harlow said she was “thrilled” to play with her dad in Dublin in front of a crowd of 25,832 supporters.

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

“The sky is the limit thanks to these girls and what they did tonight.”

He added that he was “definitely going to Switzerland, but the wife doesn’t know yet”.

Wales fan Vicky Perkins, 51, watched the game in Cardiff and said the spirit shown by the women matched that of the Welsh.

“For the last ten minutes it was impossible to breathe, Wales played with tenacity and enduring quality and it paid off,” he 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, admits she wasn’t really a football fan but the trip to Wales captivated her and her daughter.

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

His father, Nigel Billingham, a Cardiff city and Wales supporter for 40 years, said it was a really emotional win for him.

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

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

Judy Shaw, 60, said after the team had lost so many times, she was “absolutely buzzing” at the result.

She said: “I’m screaming, screaming, jumping around the room. We’ve come so close after so many times. Qualifying for the Euros!”

“Unbelievable amazing fantastic. Will be booking flights to Switzerland.”

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

“There’s nothing like following this team. Wales deserve it. They’ve deserved it for so long and I’m delighted for the team that all their hard work has paid off.

“I think it will be really big for women’s football in Wales. Hopefully it will get more people to come to the games and support the team. Will be encouraged to do so.

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

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

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

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

“We’ve seen such an increase in women’s and men’s football so hopefully it will just take off and we can see more and more girls coming through the system.

“Who knows what the future holds.”

Jon Foster said VAR had his pulse: “I didn’t know what was going on with the VAR check so it was nice to see where it went and Kane took it so well, you It didn’t get any cooler than that.”

The 52-year-old added that the final 20 minutes were tense but they “coped brilliantly”, adding that “Katie McCabe was very lucky to hang on but I’m an Arsenal fan so I I will allow it.”

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

The draw takes place in Lausanne, Switzerland at 17:00 GMT and you will be able to watch and follow it live on the BBC.

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

Additional reporting by Eli Carter and Oscar Edwards