The Republic of Ireland are one game away from finishing their Nations League campaign with a 100% record.
While Northern Ireland away is not an easy fixture, they will be confident of prevailing after winning the reverse game 3-0.
It is also expected to be interim boss Eileen Gleeson’s final game in charge, so she will be keen to finish an impressive stint on a high.
The North, meanwhile, will be hoping to triumph and secure second spot.
Should they lose, Hungary will pip them for second spot in the group if they overcome Albania at home in a match that kicks off at the same time as this one.
5 Dec 2023
5:14PM
The Republic of Ireland team below sees two changes from the side that beat Hungary last week.
Jamie Finn and Lucy Quinn come into the team with Tyler Toland and Izzy Atkinson making way.
Republic of Ireland fans in the stands ahead of the Uefa Women's Nations League Group B1 match. Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
5 Dec 2023
6:14PM
13 mins: Not too much noteworthy happening of late.
In recent minutes, Northern Ireland have their opponents pinned back into their half and are looking like a team that know only three points will do tonight.
5 Dec 2023
6:19PM
19 mins: Still not a huge amount happening.
Though as I type, McCabe makes a surging run forward, but McKenna makes a good recovery tackle to put it out for a corner.
5 Dec 2023
6:22PM
20 mins: Connolly puts in a dangerous-looking corner but Harvey-Clifford does well to claim it under pressure.
Moments later, a Finn cross goes straight into the goalkeeper’s arms.
The Republic have yet to really get going tonight.
5 Dec 2023
6:26PM
25 mins: Worrying moment for both teams as McCabe and Hamilton go down injured.
It was an awkward collision with both players going for the loose ball.
It looks like they’ll be okay to continue.
5 Dec 2023
6:30PM
28 mins: There are claims for a penalty as Payne’s cross is in the vicinity of McCarron’s arm.
Looking at the replay, it would have been a harsh call.
5 Dec 2023
6:35PM
33 mins: Ireland have been keeping the ball better in recent minutes and stringing a few passes together.
Meanwhile, McCabe is down receiving treatment again following a late challenge by Caldwell, but the Arsenal star looks like she’ll be okay.
HALF-TIME: NORTHERN IRELAND 0-2 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
5 Dec 2023
6:53PM
Elsewhere, it’s currently Hungary 4-0 Albania in the other game.
So barring a dramatic turnaround in either match, it looks like the Hungarians will secure second place in the group at Northern Ireland’s expense.
5 Dec 2023
7:01PM
So it was scrappy and even enough game for a considerable portion of that half.
Yet the Republic were clinical when they needed to be and made their rivals pay for some sloppy defending.
Gleeson’s decision to bring in Lucy Quinn has certainly been vindicated, with the Birmingham star registering a goal and an assist in the opening 45.
Barring something dramatic and a much-improved performance from the hosts, the Republic look set to end 2023 on a high and complete an impressive 100% Nations League campaign.
NORTHERN IRELAND 0-4 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (MCCABE 50)
5 Dec 2023
7:11PM
McCabe makes it four to join Carusa on five goals for the campaign.
It’s a fine individual effort, with the Arsenal attacker going on a mazy run before curling home a superb right-footed effort from the edge of the area.
Ireland’s Heather Payne celebrates scoring her side's second goal with Ruesha Littlejohn, Denise O'Sullivan and Kyra Carusa. Ryan Byrne / INPHO
Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO
5 Dec 2023
7:19PM
59 mins: There is much more of a swagger about the Republic’s play now that they are comfortably ahead.
Harvey-Clifford has just tipped over a powerful Payne strike from distance.
NORTHERN IRELAND 1-5 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (BEATTIE 74)
5 Dec 2023
7:36PM
The Republic concede a goal for just the second time in this Nations League campaign.
The defence don’t deal with a corner, it falls to Holloway, who fires it into a crowded area and the substitute Beattie is in the right place to convert from close range.
5 Dec 2023
7:37PM
Connolly goes very close to making it six after excellent work in the build-up from O’Sullivan.
Her goalbound shot is deflected over the bar for a corner.
5 Dec 2023
7:41PM
More changes for the Republic.
Lucy Quinn and Louis Quinn go off, Atkinson and Mustaki come on.
Republic of Ireland’s Kyra Carusa celebrates scoring a goal with teammates. Presseye / William Cherry/INPHO
Presseye / William Cherry/INPHO / William Cherry/INPHO
5 Dec 2023
8:09PM
So that’s that.
After a slow start, the Republic of Ireland ultimately outclassed their Northern neighbours.
There were a couple of spectacular goals and a few aided by some woeful defending by the hosts.
The statistics make for great reading from a Republic perspective — they finish the campaign with six wins from six, 20 goals scored and just two conceded.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have to settle for third place in the group.
Eileen Gleeson’s side have consistently looked too good for this level and they will be looking forward to pitting their wits in League A soon.
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As it happened: Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland, Nations League
Northern Ireland 1-6 Republic of Ireland
Hello, and welcome to tonight’s liveblog.
The Republic of Ireland are one game away from finishing their Nations League campaign with a 100% record.
While Northern Ireland away is not an easy fixture, they will be confident of prevailing after winning the reverse game 3-0.
It is also expected to be interim boss Eileen Gleeson’s final game in charge, so she will be keen to finish an impressive stint on a high.
The North, meanwhile, will be hoping to triumph and secure second spot.
Should they lose, Hungary will pip them for second spot in the group if they overcome Albania at home in a match that kicks off at the same time as this one.
The Republic of Ireland team below sees two changes from the side that beat Hungary last week.
Jamie Finn and Lucy Quinn come into the team with Tyler Toland and Izzy Atkinson making way.
And here is the Northern Ireland team for tonight…
Who do you think will win?
Poll Results:
We’re underway…
5 mins: The Republic are dominating possession, with the North soaking up pressure.
No clear-cut chances yet.
8 mins: Decent period of pressure from Northern Ireland.
It ends with Holloway’s shot from distance landing on the roof of the net.
13 mins: Not too much noteworthy happening of late.
In recent minutes, Northern Ireland have their opponents pinned back into their half and are looking like a team that know only three points will do tonight.
19 mins: Still not a huge amount happening.
Though as I type, McCabe makes a surging run forward, but McKenna makes a good recovery tackle to put it out for a corner.
20 mins: Connolly puts in a dangerous-looking corner but Harvey-Clifford does well to claim it under pressure.
Moments later, a Finn cross goes straight into the goalkeeper’s arms.
The Republic have yet to really get going tonight.
25 mins: Worrying moment for both teams as McCabe and Hamilton go down injured.
It was an awkward collision with both players going for the loose ball.
It looks like they’ll be okay to continue.
28 mins: There are claims for a penalty as Payne’s cross is in the vicinity of McCarron’s arm.
Looking at the replay, it would have been a harsh call.
33 mins: Ireland have been keeping the ball better in recent minutes and stringing a few passes together.
Meanwhile, McCabe is down receiving treatment again following a late challenge by Caldwell, but the Arsenal star looks like she’ll be okay.
NORTHERN IRELAND 0-1 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (LUCY QUINN 37 MINS)
NORTHERN IRELAND 0-2 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (PAYNE 39)
Out of nowhere, the Republic score twice in quick succession.
Firstly, McCabe picks out Lucy Quinn with a superb pass and the Birmingham City attacker fires home from the edge of the area.
Moments later, Quinn turns provider, as her pinpoint cross is volleyed home by Payne from close range.
43 mins: Northern Ireland try to conjure a response.
Twice, Brosnan has to be alert to deal with dangerous crosses into the area.
Here’s a look at the first goal…
And here’s a look at the second…
HALF-TIME: NORTHERN IRELAND 0-2 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Elsewhere, it’s currently Hungary 4-0 Albania in the other game.
So barring a dramatic turnaround in either match, it looks like the Hungarians will secure second place in the group at Northern Ireland’s expense.
So it was scrappy and even enough game for a considerable portion of that half.
Yet the Republic were clinical when they needed to be and made their rivals pay for some sloppy defending.
Gleeson’s decision to bring in Lucy Quinn has certainly been vindicated, with the Birmingham star registering a goal and an assist in the opening 45.
Barring something dramatic and a much-improved performance from the hosts, the Republic look set to end 2023 on a high and complete an impressive 100% Nations League campaign.
The second half has begun…
NORTHERN IRELAND 0-3 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (CARUSA 47)
That’s surely game, set and match.
McCabe plays a good ball in, McFadden slips and Carusa heads home for her fifth goal of this Nations League campaign.
NORTHERN IRELAND 0-4 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (MCCABE 50)
McCabe makes it four to join Carusa on five goals for the campaign.
It’s a fine individual effort, with the Arsenal attacker going on a mazy run before curling home a superb right-footed effort from the edge of the area.
Here’s what the third goal looked like…
59 mins: There is much more of a swagger about the Republic’s play now that they are comfortably ahead.
Harvey-Clifford has just tipped over a powerful Payne strike from distance.
NORTHERN IRELAND 0-5 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (LOUISE QUINN 61)
It’s all too easy for the visitors at the moment.
Connolly drills in a corner and Louise Quinn is barely challenged as she heads home.
The Republic make a double change.
Stapleton and Larkin are on, Payne and Littlejohn are off.
Here’s a look at the McCabe goal…
70 mins: The game has calmed down a bit now after that early flurry of goals in the second half.
The Republic know they have the game won and are passing it about confidently.
Check out the fifth goal below…
NORTHERN IRELAND 1-5 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (BEATTIE 74)
The Republic concede a goal for just the second time in this Nations League campaign.
The defence don’t deal with a corner, it falls to Holloway, who fires it into a crowded area and the substitute Beattie is in the right place to convert from close range.
Connolly goes very close to making it six after excellent work in the build-up from O’Sullivan.
Her goalbound shot is deflected over the bar for a corner.
More changes for the Republic.
Lucy Quinn and Louis Quinn go off, Atkinson and Mustaki come on.
A final change for the Republic.
Jamie Finn is replaced by Lily Agg.
NORTHERN IRELAND 1-6 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (HAYES 86)
The Republic make it six and it’s more inept marking from their opponents.
Connolly fires in a corner and Hayes finds space to volley home for her second goal of the campaign.
Here’s a look at a rare moment to cheer for the hosts…
There will be four minutes of stoppage time…
As I type, Carusa strikes it narrowly wide after good play in the build-up involving Agg and McCabe.
The Arsenal star has also just been named player of the match by RTÉ.
FULL-TIME: NORTHERN IRELAND 1-6 REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Here’s a look at the final goal tonight…
So that’s that.
After a slow start, the Republic of Ireland ultimately outclassed their Northern neighbours.
There were a couple of spectacular goals and a few aided by some woeful defending by the hosts.
The statistics make for great reading from a Republic perspective — they finish the campaign with six wins from six, 20 goals scored and just two conceded.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, have to settle for third place in the group.
Eileen Gleeson’s side have consistently looked too good for this level and they will be looking forward to pitting their wits in League A soon.
Right, that’s it from me for now.
We’ll have more reaction to follow.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
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Eileen Gleeson Live Liveblog Minute-by-Minute Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland