Wales and Scotland have been relegated from League A in the Women’s Nations League following defeats that sealed their fate. Wales fell 1-0 to Denmark in Group A4 in a match tinged with controversy, while Scotland’s 1-0 loss to Austria left them winless and rooted to the bottom of Group A1.
Wales entered their clash with Denmark knowing that only a win would give them a chance of survival. Despite a spirited performance, they were undone by a goal early in the second half from Denmark’s star forward Pernille Harder. The Welsh had reasons to feel aggrieved, however, after a controversial moment in the first half when Jess Fishlock appeared to have scored. Her follow-up shot after Ceri Holland’s initial effort seemed to cross the line, but with no VAR or goal-line technology in place, play continued and no goal was awarded.
Their night started on a rough note when 18-year-old defender Mayzee Davies was forced off after just six minutes with a knee injury, casting doubt over her availability for the upcoming European Championship. Despite this setback, Wales rallied and created chances, including the disallowed effort, but Denmark gradually took control. Harder broke the deadlock in the 48th minute, and although Wales pressed for an equaliser, they couldn’t find a way back. The defeat confirmed their relegation to League B after a disappointing campaign.
Scotland also saw their relegation confirmed following a narrow loss to Austria at Hampden Park. It was a tough start for new head coach Melissa Andreatta, whose side showed little attacking threat in the first half and had goalkeeper Lee Gibson to thank for keeping the scoreline level. Austria, the more threatening side throughout, eventually found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute when Julia Hickelsberger headed in from a corner.
Scotland did improve in the closing stages, but the damage was already done. With no points from five matches, they sit bottom of the group, and their final fixture against the Netherlands on Tuesday will serve as a farewell to long-time captain Rachel Corsie, who came off the bench during the Austria match for one final home appearance.
Elsewhere in the competition, Poland cruised to a dominant 4-0 win over Northern Ireland in Group B1. Ewa Pajor, earning her 100th cap, opened the scoring just five minutes in and doubled the lead four minutes later after capitalising on a goalkeeper error. Paulina Tomasiak and Adriana Achcinska added further goals to seal an emphatic victory in Belfast. Northern Ireland, who pushed for a late consolation with efforts from Rebecca Holloway and Emily Wilson who struck the crossbar now face Bosnia and Herzegovina needing a point to secure second place behind group winners Poland.
In Group B2, the Republic of Ireland earned a dramatic 2-1 win over Turkey thanks to a late goal from substitute Emily Murphy. After falling behind to a Kader Hancar strike, Ireland drew level when Busem Seker turned the ball into her own net. Murphy then struck in the 89th minute to complete the comeback and net her first senior international goal. The win leaves Ireland three points behind leaders Slovenia heading into their final group fixture, keeping alive hopes of finishing top of the group.
