The Estonia women’s national team secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Liechtenstein in their first home match of the World Cup qualifiers, with Katrin Kirpu scoring the winner in the 84th minute despite Estonia playing with ten players.
Estonia started brightly and created early chances. In the 7th minute, Loviise Männiste delivered a corner into the box where Vlada Kubassova attempted a clever backheel, but it went straight at the goalkeeper. Just minutes later, Kubassova lifted the ball towards the penalty spot for Lisandra Rannasto, whose first-time effort sailed over the bar.
Liechtenstein threatened for the first time in the 25th minute after forcing an error high up the pitch, but goalkeeper Katarina Elisabeth Käpa reacted well to keep the scores level. Estonia responded quickly, with Kubassova testing the goalkeeper again, followed by a powerful long-range strike from Anastasija Južaninova that was also saved.
The breakthrough came just before halftime. Estonia won a penalty in the 43rd minute, and Kubassova calmly converted from the spot to give the hosts a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Liechtenstein struck back early in the second half, equalizing with a looping effort from outside the box that sailed over the Estonian goalkeeper. The visitors then grew into the game, and Estonia’s task became even more difficult in the 61st minute when they were reduced to ten players following a red card to Annegret Kala.
Despite being a player down, Estonia managed to regroup. Substitutions helped restore attacking momentum, and the hosts continued to push forward. In the 82nd minute, Mari-Liis Lillemäe produced a strong individual run before firing from a tight angle, but her effort was saved. Kubassova followed up, only to see her shot gathered by the goalkeeper.
The decisive moment came in the 84th minute. Katrin Kirpu latched onto a through ball behind the defense, fought off her marker, rounded the onrushing goalkeeper, and calmly lifted the ball into the top corner to seal a 2-1 victory.
Estonia are competing in a group alongside Liechtenstein, Lithuania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Alongside this win, they have recorded a goalless draw against Lithuania and a 1-3 defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Estonia will continue their qualifying campaign at home on April 18 at 17:00, when they host Lithuania at A. Le Coq Arena.
Estonia vs Liechtenstein – 2-1 (1-0)
Goals: Kubassova 44′ (Penalty kick), Kirpu 84′ | Steck 50′
