First leg advantage in Llanelli
If the pattern of their Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign continues, Wales will be starting preparations for a play-off final come Wednesday morning. Wales return home to Llanelli for the second leg of their play-off semi-final carrying a 1-0 lead from the first match in Albania.
The opening leg in Shkoder mirrored the three away fixtures Wales played during the group stage in the Czech Republic, Albania, and Montenegro, where the team claimed positive results despite underwhelming performances. In contrast, Wales secured resounding victories in all three of their home fixtures during the group stage.
Head coach Rhian Wilkinson must now oversee a repeat performance against Albania at Parc y Scarlets on Tuesday. Wales captain Angharad James noted the importance of securing the result, the clean sheet, and taking that advantage back to Llanelli.
Unconvincing performance in Shkoder
Despite holding a 37-place advantage over their opponents in the FIFA rankings, Wales struggled both in and out of possession during the first leg. Their winning goal came via a set-piece when Ezmiralda Franja diverted Lily Woodham’s corner into her own net, while Mared Griffiths and Hannah Cain also had sights of goal.
Albania created numerous opportunities, requiring significant work from Wales goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel. Wales were also saved by the woodwork when Fortesa Berisha hit the post, and by an offside ruling that disallowed Megi Doci’s effort.
Midfielder Rachel Rowe acknowledged that the team had to ride their luck, while Wilkinson emphasized the need to push standards and find more calmness in possession ahead of the second leg.
Reaching toward history
Wales are currently unbeaten in nine matches, equalling the nation’s previous best sequence without defeat set between November 2013 and August 2014. Avoiding defeat on Tuesday would extend that run to 10 games as they continue their quest to reach a first Women’s World Cup in the nation’s history.
Wilkinson’s squad has contended with nine regular members missing through injury during this international window. Should Wales successfully navigate past Albania, they are likely to face Norway in a two-legged play-off final in December.
