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Walsh and Connolly heading to the World Cup

Ireland qualify for the first time but it's heartache for Wales.

13 October 2022

By Rex Shutterstock / Bruce White
The Republic of Ireland squad, including Albion's Megan Walsh, celebrate reaching the finals after beating Scotland 1-0.

Albion pair Megan Walsh and Megan Connolly are both heading to next year’s World Cup finals after the Republic of Ireland qualified for the first time.

Connolly is currently recovering from a rib injury sustained on international duty but Walsh was on the bench at Hampden Park on Tuesday when Ireland defeated Scotland 1-0 in their play-off. Former Albion loanee Denise O’Sullivan played the 90 minutes in central midfield.

A second-half goal from substitute Amber Barrett beat the Scots and ensure Ireland will be in next week’s Finals draw in Auckland for the first time.

While Ireland celebrated, there was disappointment for Kayleigh Green’s Wales after they lost 2-1 in Switzerland in their play-off despite taking the lead. Rhiannon Roberts gave Wales an early lead but the Swiss hit back, finding the winner in the last minute. Green played the 90 minutes before being substituted in stoppage time.

By Irish FA
Megan Walsh has helped Ireland reach the World Cup finals for the first time.

Six other Albion senior players have returned from international duty to prepare for Sunday’s WSL match against Manchester United.

Jorja Fox, Poppy Pattinson and Katie Robinson started both games as England under-23s lost 2-0 at St George’s Park to Norway in a friendly before drawing 1-1 against Sweden in Falkenberg on Monday.

Julia Zigiotti came off the bench in both friendlies for Sweden as they drew 1-1 against Spain before beating France 3-0, when Albion team-mate Emma Kullberg was a second-half substitute.

Norway striker Elisabeth Terland played in their 4-1 friendly loss against Brazil last Friday before coming off the bench in the second half on Tuesday when they beat Netherlands 2-0.