Green Ireland Women eye Belgium or Poland clash after Astana thrashing

Green Ireland Women have secured a place in the World Cup play‑off final after hammering Kazakhstan 8‑0 in the first leg of their semi‑final in Astana, meaning they will face either Belgium or Poland in the decisive match.

Context and rankings

The 8‑0 win eclipses the Republic’s previous record of an 11‑0 victory over Georgia in 2021, a match that remains their biggest ever triumph. Carla Ward’s side of full‑time professionals entered the tie with confidence, aware that most Kazakh players compete in a domestic league ranked 36th in the UEFA coefficient, while Ireland’s Women’s Premier Division sits 24th.

From the first whistle the contest was a mismatch. Ireland raced to a three‑goal lead within seven minutes, with a free‑kick from Nazym Ismailova punched out and quickly delivered to Chloe Mustaki, whose cross was glanced home by Kyra Carusa. By the 33rd minute Kazakhstan skipper Yulia Myasnikova was sent off after a VAR‑checked foul on Abbie Larkin, reducing the hosts to ten.

Second half and debutants

At half‑time Ireland led 5‑0 thanks to a brace from Carusa, plus goals from Mustaki, Emily Murphy and Larkin. The second half saw Jamie Finn claim her first international goal, Shanade Hopcroft make a debut by replacing Caitlin Hayes in the 70th minute and scoring within two minutes, and Jessie Stapleton add a final header. Larkin sealed the rout with a stoppage‑time strike after Mustaki’s volley set her up.

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Following Myasnikova’s dismissal, goalkeeper Nazym Ismailova was forced off after a collision and replaced by Angelina Portnova, who later conceded the seventh goal when she could not keep out a low finish from Larkin. Ward also introduced Amber Barrett, Leanne Kiernan and Tyler Toland at the break, keeping the pressure relentless.

Mid‑second‑half pressure continued when centre‑half Anna Patten pushed forward, feeding a cross that Jamie Finn turned into the sixth goal in the 58th minute. The Kazakh side, ranked 98th in the world, struggled to create any meaningful chances throughout.

The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with Ireland likely to restore Katie McCabe, Denise O’Sullivan and Marissa Sheva to the starting XI. A win would see the Green team advance to the World Cup, while Kazakhstan will hope to avoid a humiliating aggregate defeat.

Meanwhile, Ireland will be watching the other semi‑final tonight, where Belgium and Poland clash in a match that will determine their next opponent.