INT Snap: Welsh history, Portuguese balm, and Jamaica's homecoming

Note: Welcome to 'INT Snap' – A brief whip-around of the final women's FIFA international window of 2024. We'll be getting into who sealed their qualification for EURO 2025, alongside some standout results from the rest of the world.

Y ciplun [The Snapshot]

I've never truly known how Welsh I am. With a name like Lloyd-Hughes, and being married to someone called Bronwyn, I've also thought it was the next most substantial part of my ancestry after England.

Soon, we might all need Welsh bucket hats because no matter your blood or football leanings, I would challenge anyone to feel nothing as Wales defeated the Republic of Ireland 2-1 on Tuesday night in Dublin and qualified for their first-ever major tournament.

After a 1-1 in the first leg in Cardiff, the second leg became the winner-takes-all decider. Scoreless at the break, Hannah Cain tucked home a penalty early in the second half, with substitute then Carrie Jones doubling Wales' lead just four minutes after she came off the bench in the 63rd minute.

Anna Patten then pulled one back for Ireland to make sure there was a suitably nervy end to the proceedings. But it wasn't enough for the Irish hosts who some would have viewed as favourites after qualifying for their first-ever World Cup in 2023.

The emotions were high—as they always are in play-offs, when only one nation can prevail and achieve its goal.

For Wales, achieving that goal came with even greater significance. History on the shoulders of many players who have toiled away with the national team for decades and consistently fallen short.

Cardiff's own Jess Fishlock, 37, is one of those. On her 158th cap for her country, the win pulled together the threads – past, present and future – of her legacy with the Welsh national team.

"We've been working towards this moment as a nation for 20 years," Jess Fishlock told the BBC. "I can't believe it. I can believe it, but I can't believe it. My emotions couldn't be more all over the shop but I couldn't be more proud of this group for achieving this moment.

"What I love about this group is that you've got players that have been here for 20 years, and players that have been here for six months. It's like our entire legacy is in this group of players."

Poland, Portugal and Finland book tickets

Elsewhere, a lot of away sides got the better of their hosts in EUROs qualifying.

Poland upset a promising Austria 1-0 (2-0 agg.) in Vienna, and, like Wales, will now head off to their first-ever EUROs in Switzerland next summer. Their superstar, Barcelona's Ewa Pajor, scored the late dagger in the second leg having got the assist for Natalia Padilla in the first encounter.

In Teplice, Portugal squeaked past Czechia 2-1 (3-2 agg.) thanks to a brace from Diana Silva, a player I've always been very fond of since her short time with Aston Villa. Silva scored two first-time finishes from close range, both on the volley. The first with her head, and the second a very satisfying strike into the roof of the net.

On a frigid night in northern Czechia, I also had a lot of time for substitute Jess Silva making sure her lips wouldn't be chapped when she came on to help seal the win.

It is now three consecutive tournaments that Scotland have failed to qualify for after they lost their playoff 2-0 (2-0 agg.) to Finland.

While Scotland are a very talented side, with many asking many questions of manager Pedro Martinez Losa in the wake of this defeat, nothing should be taken away from the Fins who continue to be a consistent and obstinate opponent.

With qualification for EURO 2025 confirmed, come next summer, Finland will have competed at five of the past six continental championships.

All 16 EURO 2025 nations confirmed:

Switzerland (hosts), Germany, Spain, England, Iceland, Denmark, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Finland, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, Belgium, Wales.

The draw for the group stage will take place on the 16th December.

Elsewhere around the world

To Montego Bay, in Jamaica, where the Reggae Girlz, complete with Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw back in their ranks, won a pair of friendlies against South Africa 3-0 and 3-2.

It was the first time Jamaica had played home matches in a year, since the unsuccessful qualification for the 2024 W Gold Cup. And, against a high-achieving opponent, these were some positive results having previously failed to win a single match in 2024.

True to form, Shaw scored a brace in the first test. The first a simple tap-in on her right foot after great work from Jody Brown, the second a brilliantly taken swiveled finish on her left with two defenders closing her down.

The second match was a much closer affair, with Linda Motlhalo giving South Africa a lead at half-time. Only for then Jamaica to fire back with three goals in 14 second half minutes to spin the friendly on its head.

Italy had quite the window, defeating Germany 2-1. The Italians first win over Germany since 2007. Off the back of a 1-1 draw with Spain in October, suddenly the Azzurri are getting a lot of attention.

The Netherlands dominated proceedings against the USA but couldn't finish off their chances and were made to suffer in an utterly baffling 2-1 win for the Americans. Chapeau to Alyssa Naeher for a thrilling performance in goal in her final-ever international match.

It was a buoyant window for Panama under new-ish head coach Toña Is. After a 2-1 win over Costa Rica, Panama secured a spirited 1-1 draw with Mexico. Marta Cox saw a spectacular free-kick bounce in off the post and then off the keeper. While Panama shot-stopper Yenith Bailey made seven saves to snatch a point.

Panama are unbeaten (3W-1D-L0) since Is took over in October. All three of those wins have been against Costa Rica.

Panama's investment comes in stark contrast to El Salvador, who did not organize a training camp or any friendlies during the window. Much to the chagrin of the squad, who are eager to improve and represent their country.

Olivia Smith continues to shine for Canada, who ended the year on a high by thrashing South Korea 5-1. The 20-year-old showed off her trademark smooth finishing alongside some impressive physicality.

Down Under, Brazil beat Australia twice, 2-1 and 3-1, despite playing an experimental side with some new faces, including Amanda Gutierres who scored her first two goals for the Selecao. The Matildas, currently with Tom Sermanni as a caretaker manager, feel adrift as they start a new cycle preparing for the 2026 Asia Cup.