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A 1-1 draw for Cymru at home saw a record-breaking crowd witness a nail-biting match.
A crowd of 16,845 spectators came to watch this Celtic clash at Cardiff City Stadium, where Cymru drew with the Republic of Ireland ahead of travelling to Dublin for the second-leg decider on Tuesday.
A tough tie against Slovakia saw Cymru scrape a 3-2 win on aggregate to secure their place in this play-off final, while, in comparison, the Republic of Ireland sailed their way through with a 9-0 aggregate semi-final victory over Georgia to potentially qualify for their first ever EURO.
Five world rankings separate the sides, with Ireland currently ranked 24th ahead of Cymru in 29th.
Cymru are fighting for a spot in their first major tournament, while Ireland are attempting to reach their first EURO after playing in last year’s World Cup.
The Celts had it out under the floodlights, but the roar from the Red Wall helped to secure Cymru a draw before the battle goes to Ireland for the last leg of the play-off final.
A stadium filled with proud and anxious fans set the scene for an entertaining clash.
A dominant start from Ireland saw Katie McCabe make a few good runs into the box and force the Welsh side to concede a corner, although nothing came from this.
Cymru fans were evidently desperate for a switch in possession and they got what they wanted.
Cymru were almost playing ping pong with the pitch, but with Wales more on the attack thanks to the fast-paced Lily Woodham.
The Red Wall were chanting and singing, willing their team on to get that all-important first goal.
With 20 minutes on the clock, 24-year old Woodham struck the ball after a deflected cross from Jess Fishlock landed right in her path - her first-time effort flew past Irish goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan into the back of the net.
The stadium erupted with screams of relief and excitement, Cymru now had a one-goal advantage.
The Republic of Ireland had a fair few fans in the away stand, who were looking for an equaliser, and the visitors started putting Cymru on the defensive.
Soon a sea of flashlights could be seen all around the stadium, Cymru fans showing their support. It was clear this meant a lot more to them than just the eleven players on the pitch.
Ireland started to become the more dominant side and the likes of Julie Russell had attempts, but she couldn’t keep her shot on target.
The visitors were progressively being the more dominant side but their attempts to produce goals were falling short.
It’s safe to say the small percentage of Irish fans in the stadium, and many across the Irish Sea, were on the edge of their seats and gritting their teeth - and it definitely wasn’t just because of the cold.
A shot from around 35 yards out from Ruesha Littlejohn then momentarily silenced the Cymru fans.
Straight past goalkeeper Olivia Clark and into the goal, an impressive shot from the 34-year-old but an agonising goal for Rhian Wilkinson’s side to concede.
Clark had seemed to have the space covered, but shortly before half-time the scoreline had been levelled.
The second half began with the Ninian Stand bellowing the infamous “WAAALES” chant and Jess Fishlock fancied her chances at putting goal on the board for Cymru.
She found space in the box, getting around Ireland’s resilient defence, but the ball went just wide of the post.
Both sides were clearly desperate to leave Cardiff with a win going into the second leg.
Ffion Morgan stood out with her tireless chasing and pressed the visitors numerous times throughout the game.
The young girls in the crowd, smiling from ear to ear, could tell that Cymru were putting in a shift.
Arsenal’s McCabe sent an Ireland free-kick into Wales’ penalty area, but nothing came of an important opportunity for Ireland to take the lead.
You could see from the Irish fans, their faces filled with hope, that this game has been a journey in more ways than one for them.
Despite the away side having more possession and looking more dominant at the start of the second half, another opportunity opened up for Cymru.
Ceri Holland crossed the ball to Rhiannon Roberts, attracting gasps from around the stadium, but it was blocked by the player who equalised earlier, Littlejohn.
Carrie Jones darted from the corner to the edge of the box where she curled the ball towards the goal, but instead of finding the net it found the nippy hands of Brosnan.
Denise O’Sullivan and Marissa Sheva then created an opportunity for Ireland from a corner.
The Irish fans bellowed words of encouragement towards their team as a short corner led to a chance in the penalty area, but 23-year old Clark brought her ‘A’ game and an incredible save denied Ireland the lead.
People of all ages in the crowd were waving their Welsh flags and an array of different horns were being heard from every corner - this record-breaking home crowd was desperate for their team to score again.
Although Ireland claimed most of the possession In the rest of the second half, Cymru created opportunities when they had the ball.
Angharad James drove in with the ball and fed Carrie Jones, but an overrun cost them.
This game could only be described as a battle of passion, pride and perseverance.
Both teams pushed themselves to the limit but full-time came and now it’s down to Tuesday night across the sea in Ireland.
The teams are level, both are history makers but who will take that EURO 2025 spot?
Cymru fans gathered at the bottom of stands with young girls shouting players’ names, while a large group of away fans couldn’t wait to congratulate their team.
Despite neither side winning, you could see what this occasion meant to everyone in the stadium.
The love for the game that everyone shared was shown from all sides, but now everything comes down to Dublin on Tuesday.
Pictures credited to Ashley Crowden, Official Photographer for the Wales Women's National Football Team.