Ireland's Anna Patten and Eileen Gleeson believe that the Aviva Stadium could give the Girls in Green a significant advantage in their quest to make it to the Euros next year.
Last Friday, Jess Fishlock's cross found Lily Woodham. Woodham beat Courtney Brosnan to score. However, fifteen minutes after Wales' opener, Ireland got their chance to equalize. A long ball from Ruesha Littlejohn hit the crossbar and deflected off Welsh goalkeeper Olivia Clark into the net.
The game ended with Wales and Ireland tied 1-1 on aggregate from the first leg, and they will now play the second leg in Dublin tomorrow.
If Ireland can beat Wales, it will mean they will have reached their first ever European Championships. The tournament takes place in Switzerland next year.
There was a sizable away crowd for Ireland's game last Friday, and Patten expects Tuesday's home crowd to bring the noise and step up.
"We need every single Irish fan now on Tuesday, and maybe in those moments when momentum is not with us, we’re going to need them to be loud," said Patten last weekend.
"We’re going to need the Irish fans to step up. I’m sure they will."
Gleeson echoed the sentiments of Patten and believes that the Irish team will have a home advantage. They will also be keen to inspire the nation with a win.
Julie-Ann Russell of Republic of Ireland (Photo By Harry Murphy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)The Irish coach was also asked if there was pressure on having home advantage and disagreed that there was.
"I don't feel the pressure is on our shoulders," said Gleeson.
“We love playing in the Aviva. It’s magical; we’re coming home trying to inspire the nation.
“We wanted to come out of this leg still in the game and bring it back. A draw is probably a fair result overall.
“I’d like to think we have the advantage at home. Wales had a lovely atmosphere, and that helps, but we’ll have over 20,000 fans at the Aviva.”
Ireland's game against Wales in Dublin will kick off at 7:30 PM and can be seen on RTÉ2.
UEFA EURO 2025 Qualifying Play-Off
Round 2, Second Leg
Ireland v Cymru
Tuesday, December 3rd
Aviva Stadium
KO 19:30
LIVE on RTÉ2 / RTÉ Player
