Katie McCabe scored a stunning goal from 35 yards as the Republic of Ireland thrashed Northern Ireland 6-1 in their final UEFA Women’s Nations League match at Windsor Park on Tuesday.
The Arsenal captain curled a left-footed shot into the top corner in the 27th minute to give the visitors a 2-0 lead after Denise O’Sullivan had opened the scoring in the 12th minute.
Ireland, who had already secured promotion to League A and a place in the finals in February, added four more goals in the second half through Rianna Jarrett, Heather Payne, Leanne Kiernan and Louise Quinn.
Northern Ireland
Who finished bottom of Group B1 and will face a relegation play-off, scored a consolation goal in the 90th minute through substitute Lauren Wade.
The result meant that Ireland completed their league campaign with a perfect record of six wins from six games, scoring 23 goals and conceding only three.
Ireland manager
Eileen Gleeson praised her team’s performance and singled out McCabe for her spectacular strike.
“She’s a fantastic player and a fantastic leader,” Gleeson said. “She’s always capable of producing moments of magic like that. It was a world-class goal and it gave us a lot of confidence.”
McCabe, who won her 70th cap for Ireland, said she was delighted with her goal and the team’s achievement.
“It was one of those ones where I just hit it and hoped for the best,” she said. “It was great to see it fly in and to celebrate with the girls. We’re over the moon to finish the group with six wins and to qualify for the finals. It’s a huge step for us and we’re looking forward to the challenge ahead.”