Abbie Larkin scored a dramatic goal in the last minute of extra time to push the Republic of Ireland past Belgium for victory in the Nations League promotion/relegation play-off in Leuven. The 20-year-old’s score on Tuesday night made it 5-4 over the two legs and returned the Irish to League A, which eases the task of direct qualification for the World Cup in 2027.
Ireland brought a 4-2 lead to Belgium from Friday night’s first leg at the Aviva Stadium, but two goals from captain Tessa Wullaert's leveled matters before halftime at the Den Dreef Stadium.
The visitors remained calm and made several clear-cut chances in the second half, including a couple involving impact player Larkin, who was introduced in the 61st minute. And as the game seemed destined for two halves of extra time, the young Dubliner skipped past one defender inside the crowded penalty area and neatly lifted the ball over goalie Nicky Evrard for the winner.
"Scoring winners like that is unbelievable. I've got goosebumps even talking about it," said Irish skipper Katie McCabe, who earned her 100th cap on the night. "They are big, big moments."
Belgium: Nicky Evrard; Sari Kees, Amber Tysiak (Kassandra Missipo 67), Zenia Mertens, Laura Deloose; Jill Janssens, Justine Vanhaevermaet, Janice Cayman; Marie Detruyer, Tessa Wullaert (Capt), Jarne Teulings (Maram Toloba 84)
Republic of Ireland: Grace Moloney; Aoife Mannion, Caitlin Hayes, Jessie Stapleton, Chloe Mustaki, Katie McCabe (Capt); Ruesha Littlejohn (Anna Patten HT), Denise O'Sullivan (Lucy Quinn 90), Marissa Sheva; Emily Murphy (Abbie Larkin 61), Kyra Carusa
Referee: Stephanie Frappart (France).
