CERI Holland scored the extra-time winner as Wales secured a Euro 2025 play-off semi-final place with a 2-0 win over Slovakia in Cardiff on Tuesday.

The Liverpool winger, who qualifies for Wales via her Llanrhaeadr-born mother, ensured her country a 3-2 aggregate victory and a semi-final clash with the Republic of Ireland.

Trailing 2-1 after the first leg, Jess Fishlock levelled the tie on aggregate before Holland finally struck the winner which was awarded following a VAR check.

Ceri Holland nets the winner for Wales. (Image: Football Association of Wales)

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Holland said: "I think I've just scored the most important goal of my career. The fans were incredible but Slovakia made it really difficult for us tonight.

"They made it difficult for us out there and to get the job done and see how much it means for everyone is incredible. It's everyone's dream in this group to make a major tournament for our country. We're on the cusp of it now but there's still plenty of work to do.

"We are Welsh people, we are fighters. We wear the dragon on our heart. It's sometimes about having a bit of composure but we never lack fight.

"We weren't ourselves on Friday, we knew that. We had some tough conversations and put it right tonight."

Wales' Ceri Holland scores and celebrates making it 2-0 in extra time after a VAR check from the referees during the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Play Off Semi Final Second Leg Match (Image: John Smith) Holland's dramatic late winner sends Wales to play-off final against the Irish.

Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson believes the manner of Wales’ win will help them as they bid to qualify for a first major finals.

“I’m exhausted. The players gave everything they had. I am a proud coach,” she said. “We found a way to figure things out, that is how great teams are made.

“Momentum builds and we'll learn so much from such a resilient display tonight."

Rhian Wilkinson’s team have now set up a two-legged match against the Republic of Ireland in late November and early December.