Ireland finish Kazakhstan rout to set up Poland showdown

The Republic of Ireland secured their place in the play-off final against Poland after an emphatic 8-0 victory over Kazakhstan at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. If Ireland triumph in the second leg later this month, they will advance to Brazil for the 2026 World Cup. Despite the one-sided nature of the match, the Poles were the better side in Gdansk, defeating Belgium on penalties in the other semi-final.

Ireland had previously beaten Poland twice in qualification for the 2025 Euro tournament, but Poland showed their resilience by winning 2-0 on aggregate in the play-offs. The visitors adopted a cautious approach, effectively playing their second-half plan in the opening half against Ireland. Kazakhstan fielded a robust back four, with four players stationed in front of them.

Ireland found the net through Jessie Stapleton, Katie McCabe, Lucy Quinn, and Denise O Sullivan, as the game resembled a training session. The real intrigue lies in the Gdansk showdown, where Poland, inspired by Ewa Pajor, defeated Belgium 3-3 on aggregate. Ireland defeated Poland twice in qualifying for Euro 2025, but Poland has shown they can peak at the right moment, winning 2-0 on aggregate in the play-offs.

Tonight's final was a straightforward affair for Ireland, who dominated but struggled to break through a formidable defense.