Player of the Match Abbie Larkin
Here is how Ireland fared in their Euro 2025 semi-final play-off first leg away to Georgia this evening as Eileen Gleeson’s side take a strong 6-0 lead back to Tallaght for Tuesday’s secon -leg.
Grace Moloney 6
Earned her first cap since 2021 in place of the suspended Courtney Brosnan. Only called into action for one routine first-half catch. Won’t have a quieter night than this.
Abbie Larkin 8
Caused the hosts numerous problems from right wing-back. Helped set up two goals as her cross won the first-half penalty before she produced a fine assist for Carusa on 60 minutes.
Aoife Mannion 7
Operating right of the back three, the Manchester United defender wasn’t overly tested at the back. Netted a late header with aplomb.
Anna Patten 6
Was untroubled at the heart of the Irish defence as Georgia posed few issues, with the Aston Villa centre-half making her seventh successive start.
Caitlin Hayes 7
The Celtic defender stepped up on several occasions to get the visitors moving to good effect. Showed her passing range too and was imposing in the air when required.
Katie McCabe 8
The Arsenal star had a quiet start but grew into the clash. Kept her cool to slot home a 36th-minute penalty and bagged a second with a stunning long-range effort on 67 minutes. An impressive display.
Tyler Toland 7
A fine shift from holding midfield by the Blackburn Rovers skipper. Picked out some key passes to break the lines. Strong challenges quelled any rare Georgian forays forward. Made way for Jessie Stapleton.
Lily Agg 5
Worked hard but didn’t make the impact she would have liked. Couldn’t make the most of two chances either side of the break before being replaced by goalscorer Marissa Sheva.
Denise O’Sullivan 7
The centurion spurned two early chances for an opener but linked up well with Larkin to create several chances. Energetic shift from one of Ireland’s standout performers.
Julie-Ann Russell 6
Saw her first-half header saved but had a busy night winning fouls and producing crosses on a solid night in Tbilisi for the recently returned Galway United player. Came off for Izzy Atkinson.
Kyra Carusa 7
Back from injury to lead the line as some good hold-up play helped Ireland get in behind. Took her strike superbly with a smart backheel for her eighth goal. Made way for Leanne Kiernan.
Substitutes 7
Sheva (56 minutes) scored a thunderbolt late on. Kiernan and Stapleton (75) made late cameos with the latter netting her first Irish senior goal (after a five-minute VAR check) as Atkinson (93) appeared too.
Manager Eileen Gleeson 7
With 94 places between the sides and having won 9-0 here in 2022, Ireland struggled to break down Georgia’s low block in the first half, but they soon found their groove to all but secure progression to the play-off final.
