There's half-time! Ukraine and Turkiye are tied at 2-2, which is perfect for us! Belarus did improve towards the end, so I won't get carried away any further. #FM26

30 international goals for Ferguson and it's an absolute gimme! Killian Phillips, how did I not realise your gifts before? #FM26

Phillips' first touch for his country in a very long time is a sensational assist for Evan Ferguson! 1-0 immediately! Rapid goal in about 12 seconds! :D #FM26

Away we go for a crucial contest for both of us. Who will let the occasion get to them? #FM26

We're going to try to retain the more centre-midfield focus, but McAteer is one of our most in-form players. Therefore, I've come up with this mad thing. It's not a grind out for a point ideal since we must win, but it's worth a shot. #FM26

The 31k local fans finally go home with a smile as every single player stood up and put in a fine performance. That just leaves the Fi-...

...uh-oh, it's Scotland. We had them down for a friendly, but now it's 100% serious. We both only have one major tournament's worth of EXP. #FM26

50% of the way there! The spirit isn't fully healed, but we're getting there! #FM26

Abbie babby has finally proven her worth with Boldmere FC in the WSL 2 and scores with a gritty header! Unreal! #FM26

"Trust the process."

And lo and behold! Connolly has smashed in a rebound to level the tie! It's her first goal for us in the save! Five goals in 129 caps! #FM26

Megan getting a knock isn't ideal as I want to move her up to CM, but she's too important not to play. #FM26

It really has been a miserable last 365+ days or so for the Irish women. Since we went to Slovakia and won in June 2031, we have had one friendly win (Zambia), eight losses and three draws. We don't want to see extra-time here, so a comprehensive win in Dublin is vital. #FM26

The hosts are deservedly ahead, but with Colvill hurt just moments before the break, I'm going to take her off. Mangan played three days ago for Cork City, so she can't realistically play any more either. Murphy and Atkinson on. #FM26

Advantage Slovakia! A cross from the right side finds the wide open player! Patten was on the line, but it was too powerful to prevent the goal! :\ #FM26

One major tournament in four attempts for Franz would be an awful look, so let's find our best form and progress to Spain 2033! #FM26

Injury costs Coulson a chance to fight for a place at CB. Kate Nugent of Sligo Rovers can jump in. #FM26

Back to Franz's side of things, it's imperative to find a route to victory over Slovakia in the two-legged play-off semi-final. Brosnan still needs to be our starting goalkeeper, which is a concern, but Abbie Larkin and Aisling Meehan show form to take spots where others are injured. #FM26

That was a response and a half to my bubbling frustration! It's been too long without a clean sheet, and we earned it with aplomb! Ferguson looks to be the undisputed number one striker now. Poor aul' Troy might be finished at this level - as a starter. Noonan didn't play well, though. #FM26

Crossbar...goallllllll! Evan Ferguson adjusts his body shape to get his noggin on the ball! We're 2-0 up at last! #FM26

Since the goal, we have been superb! Again, we have the problem of not taking our chances! Ferguson missed another 1v1 a little while ago! No letting up! Turkiye hold a 1-0 lead over Belarus themselves. #FM26

Smash and grab! Ferguson's third goal of this campaign comes after 10 minutes of Ukrainian dominance! Moran noticed Ferguson was ready to make a breakaway run and found him with the ideal lofted ball! The Man City striker did the rest! Onside, absolutely! #FM26