The Republic of Ireland women's team have booked their place in the Euro 2009 qualification play-offs, despite a 1-0 defeat against Sweden.
A fourth minute strike from Sweden's Edlund saw Noel King's side succumb to defeat on Wednesday night, however Germany's 3-0 victory over Switzerland in Group 4 ensured that Ireland progressed to the play-offs as one of the four third-placed teams with the best record against the rest of the top quartet in their pool.
King hailed his side's achievement and said: 'Prior to 2004, the Irish team were in the second tier team of International football in Europe stage until we were promoted for the World Cup qualifiers for 2006.
'We have gone further than our expectation with qualification for the play-off and there is no doubt that we will be striving to go even further in the competition and reach the finals in Finland in 2009.
'There is a silent optimism in the group that we are more than capable of doing that. I cannot stress how much hard work has gone into this qualification campaign, from the players and the backroom staff, especially from our assistant manager, Myles Kelly and coach, Ger Dunne.'
