By Gareth James
Wales’ women’s hopes of reaching a major finals for the first time look to be over after Northern Ireland beat Belarus 3-2 in the Euro2022 qualifier.
The win means Northern Ireland will take second place in Group C ahead of Wales and book a play-off spot if they beat group minnows the Faroe Islands at home in their final game on Tuesday.
Wales face Belarus in their final game at Newport’s Rodney Parade on Tuesday but need a miracle.
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If both teams win they would be level on 14 points but Jayne Ludlow’s side would miss out despite having a goal difference of +9 compared to Northern Ireland’s -4.
But Northern Ireland have the better record in games between the sides.
Both matches were draws but Northern Ireland have the away goals from the 2-2 draw in Newport last year.
Kirsty McGuinness’ gave NI the lead on two minutes but Anastasiya Shcherbachenia equalised after a defensive mix-up on 16 minutes.
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Rachel Furness netted a penalty on the hour, Shcherbachenia levelled again but McGuinness’ second on 70 won the game.
It will be Northern Ireland’s first appearance in a major finals if they progress via the play-offs with Norway already through as group winners.
Speaking before Friday’s game, Wales’ 102-cap ace Sophie Ingle said: “It’s out of our hands and we’re just focusing on ourselves and what we got to do on Tuesday to beat Belarus.
“We’ll be training tomorrow so I don’t think any of the girls will be watching the game. We are just focusing on ourselves and all we can do to get the result on Tuesday.”
