Slovenian women make football history with League A breakthrough

In the space of a single season, the Slovenia women's national football team has vaulted from UEFA Nations League C to the competition's highest echelon, sealing promotion to League A despite a 1-0 defeat away to Ireland.

Entering the game level on points with Ireland but holding a superior head-to-head goal difference thanks to a 4:0 victory at home, Slovenia needed only to avoid a heavy loss, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

Ireland's early breakthrough came in the 19th minute, when Saoirse Noonan swept the hosts ahead, yet the visitors kept the defence firm and denied several more attempts at the goal.

When the final whistle sounded, the table in Group B2 showed both teams on 15 points, but Slovenia's four-goal margin in the first head-to-head proved decisive.

The game capped a campaign during which Slovenia defeated Turkey and Greece twice. They received just two goals in six games.

"We've done it. We've gone from League C to League A in one year, which is a historic achievement," captain Dominika Čonč said. "The joy on the team is immense."

Coach Saša Kolman said the goal for the season was to remain in League B given that the team had just advanced from League C. "Now we have achieved something historic - the gals have outdone themselves. This is unbelievable."

Ireland now have their work cut out as they enter a two-legged promotion/relegation play-off in October against one of the League A third-placed countries.