Abbie Larkin strikes late as Republic of Ireland earn World Cup play-off place

A first-half brace from Belgium star Tessa Wullaert had erased the Republic’s advantage from Friday’s 4-2 first-leg win in Dublin but, as extra time loomed in Leuven, Larkin struck at the second attempt as Carla Ward’s side lost 2-1 on the night but celebrated promotion regardless.

The Republic threatened early on when Caitlin Hayes narrowly failed to get on to Katie McCabe’s fine cross, and it looked like proving costly as Wullaert turned in a pull-back from Jarne Teulings in the 33rd minute and then capitalised on Hayes’ mis-kick to chip Grace Moloney seven minutes later.

Ruesha Littlejohn sent a free-kick narrowly over at the end of the first half and the Republic looked the more dangerous of the two sides after the break as Nicky Evrard denied Emily Murphy and Marissa Sheva from close range before Larkin pulled a shot wide.

But their reward finally arrived in the 90th minute as McCabe drove forward and the ball fell to Larkin. She initially mis-kicked but the ball sat up for her to poke past Evrard.