Wales beat Slovakia 2-0 to keep Euro qualification dream alive

Wales beat Slovakia with a late goal in extra time to keep their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2025 alive. Ceri Holland's crucial goal was initially ruled out but was finally awarded after a long VAR check.

Wales' women went into the home tie needing to win by two goals after conceding a goal deficit in the first leg away 2-1 defeat in Poprad last week. Wales' striker Jess Fishlock scored on 38 minutes to put the sides level. But for long periods of the second half Wales' dominance went unrewarded.

Wales had several chances in the second half to give themselves the two-goal cushion they needed but Ffion Morgan was unable to convert chances created by her exceptional pace and two goals were disallowed for offside.

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As the game moved into extra time, both sides appeared at times exhausted but Wales were buoyed by the enthusiastic support from many young fans crowded into one half of the Cardiff City Stadium.

Holland's winner finally came deep into the second 15-minute spell of extra time after she calmly put the ball in the back of the net after Kayleigh Barton had smashed a shot into the post.

At the final whistle, Wales players dropped to the floor in exhaustion and celebration as they look forward to a play-off final against the Republic of Ireland, who won their game against Georgia.

Talisman forward Jess Fishlock played the entire match in her first start since suffering a leg injury in September. She had dropped back into midfield for the latter periods of the match as manager Rhian Wilkinson sought to find way to use her most effectively in the crucial stages.

After the match, Fishlock was spotted clambering into the stands to celebrate with her dad Kevyn and other family members.