The Women’s Nations League saw Wales and Scotland both relegated after suffering defeats in their latest matches, while the Republic of Ireland secured a dramatic late win. The results marked a difficult night for the British teams involved, with relegation from League A confirmed for Wales and Scotland.
Wales faced Denmark away in Group A4, needing a victory to keep their top-tier status alive. However, a controversial 1-0 defeat dashed those hopes. Denmark’s Pernille Harder scored the only goal just after the break, in the 48th minute, sealing Wales’ fate. The Welsh side had previously lost to Denmark 2-1 at home, putting them in a precarious position going into this crucial encounter.
The match featured a moment of controversy when Jess Fishlock appeared to score a goal that crossed the line, but it was not awarded by the officials. With no VAR in operation, Wales were denied what could have been a vital equalizer or even a lead. Earlier in the game, Denmark had a chance squandered by Amalie Vangsgaard, and Harder herself was twice denied before finally breaking through. Wales also suffered a setback early on when young defender Mayzee Davies was forced off with a knee injury, potentially ruling her out of the upcoming European Championship.
Despite regrouping and creating chances, Wales couldn’t find a breakthrough. The defeat confirmed their relegation to League B, ending their hopes of remaining in the top tier.
Scotland also faced disappointment, falling 1-0 to Austria at Hampden Park in Group A1. The result sealed Scotland’s relegation as they remain pointless after five games. Scotland’s new head coach, Melissa Andreatta, was unable to inspire a turnaround in the team’s fortunes.
Scotland had goalkeeper Lee Gibson to thank for keeping them level at halftime after some strong efforts from Austria. The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, with Julia Hickelsberger scoring from a header off a corner. Although Scotland pushed forward in the second half, they couldn’t find an equalizer. The defeat left them at the bottom of the group heading into their final match against the Netherlands. That game will also mark the international farewell of Scotland’s captain Rachel Corsie, who came on as a substitute during this match.
Elsewhere, Poland secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Group B1. Ewa Pajor celebrated her 100th senior cap with two goals inside the first nine minutes, setting the tone for a dominant performance at Seaview in Belfast. Pajor’s quick double gave Poland an early lead, which was extended by Paulina Tomasiak and Adriana Achcinska after the break.
Northern Ireland showed some late fight with chances from Rebecca Holloway, Rebecca McKenna, and Emily Wilson, but they couldn’t find a way back. Poland’s win confirmed their strong position at the top of the group ahead of their next game.
In Group B2, the Republic of Ireland staged a dramatic comeback to beat Turkey 2-1 away, securing second place in their group. Substitute Emily Murphy scored a late winner in the 89th minute after an own goal from Turkey’s Busem Seker canceled out Kader Hancar’s opening strike. The victory keeps Ireland just three points behind group leaders Slovenia, ahead of their home clash against them on Tuesday.
The latest round of Women’s Nations League fixtures saw mixed fortunes across Europe, with some teams facing relegation while others strengthened their qualification bids for future tournaments. For Wales and Scotland, the focus now shifts to regrouping and planning their next steps in League B, while teams like Poland and the Republic of Ireland will look to build momentum as they continue their campaigns.
