Result: GREECE 0-1 WALES

Carrie Jones scored her first goal for Wales to give them a 1-0 away win over Greece, and securing three of the four points they need in order to claim second place in their group and reach the play-offs.

It wasn’t a brilliant performance from Wales, but being a good team isn’t about being brilliant all the time. Part of being a good team is thinking: “We’re not quite on it today… let’s work with what we’ve got” and then getting the win anyway. There is a lot to be said for ‘raising your game’, but maybe sometimes working with what you’ve got is part of raising your game.

Not that Wales were in any way bad. Greece’s tactics seemed to be to wait for Wales to make a mistake then pounce, but Wales didn’t make any mistakes of significance. Rachel Rowe worked hard on the left wing, getting involved in defence and attack, and it was Rachel who took the free kick that led to the goal. The only thing that shocked me about Rachel’s being named Player of the Match by Clwb Pêl-Droed is that she’s the player I picked out. There isn’t always one stand-out option (Carrie Jones was also excellent), but I don’t expect to get these things right.

Laura O’Sullivan often had little to do, but when she was needed, she produced some top-class saves, while Gemma Evans also proved vital in defence. Ceri Holland and Natasha Harding had early chances to score, while a cross from Natasha almost set up an opponent for an own goal. Angharad James tried her luck from 20 yards and forced a save. Carrie tried for a second goal in the second half, while Kayleigh Green also had a good opportunity.

Rhiannon Roberts produced moments of skill which showed exactly why her 50 cap milestone looks certain to be reached in the next game, and substitute Helen Ward brought calm onto the pitch, helping the team through the final minute and showing far more interest in the corner flag than the goal. Captain Sophie Ingle produced some skilful moves, while Hayley Ladd got Wales out of a spot of trouble in her own inimitably calm style.

But it was Carrie Jones who got the goal in a confident and energetic performance, having the vision and speed to pounce on a loose ball after her initial shot was blocked, and the accuracy to put it into the bottom corner.

(For a proper match report, click on any or all of the links above.)