In a thrilling UEFA Women's World Cup qualifier, the Republic of Ireland secured a massive 3-2 victory over Poland in Gdansk, claiming their first points in Group A2 and shaking up the table.

After two tough opening matches, Carla Ward's side showed tremendous resilience and attacking flair to finally get their campaign off the ground. The win, a true team effort built on early momentum, propels Ireland into third place in the group.

The visitors exploded out of the gates, with Emily Murphy and captain Katie McCabe—who unleashed a spectacular long-range effort—putting Ireland 2-0 up within the first 20 minutes. Poland fought back before halftime through Tanja Pawollek, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

The action intensified immediately after the break, and it was Marissa Sheva who answered the call, coolly slotting home to restore Ireland's two-goal cushion. The drama wasn't over, as Polish star Ewa Pajor of Barcelona showcased her world-class quality with a delicate lob to make it 3-2.

A heart-stopping moment followed when McCabe saw a penalty sail over the bar, forcing Ireland to defend courageously in a nail-biting finale. They stood firm under pressure, showcasing the grit and determination that defines top-level football, to seal a crucial and hard-fought three points on the road.