Wednesday, 7 September 2022

Result: Wales 0-0 Slovenia (World Cup qualifiers)

Wales managed to hold on for what seemed like a lot longer than ninety minutes in order to claim a place in the World Cup play-offs for the first time in their history.

If you missed it (or if you just want to see it again because who wouldn't?), the highlights are here and Wales Online have some amazing photos.

With a crowd of 12,000, Wales more than doubled their previous attendance record and the stadium was filled with excitement, delight (and maybe a bit of disbelief... not long ago, it didn't seem even slightly possible) as the final whistle was blown.

The play-offs are complicated. It's not like the men's World Cup, where you just win a match and you're in. Wales will go into a draw which will be made on Friday. They will play a game. If they lose, that's it. No World Cup. If they win, they play another game. If they lose that game, they're out. If they win... they might be in. 

There will be three teams left at the end. Two go into the World Cup. One goes into the Inter-Confederation play-offs, which has three groups. The three group winners will go into the World Cup.

I think that's what happens, anyway. Understanding the play-offs seems nearly as difficult as getting to the play-offs.

It was a nervy game, especially to begin with. Wales only needed a point, but Gemma Grainger wasn't settling for that and neither were her players. But Slovenia were third in the group for a reason - they are strong side and caused Wales some real problems.

A very uncharacteristic mistake from Rachel Rowe (the very deserving Player of the Match against Greece) let Slovenia through on goal, but Laura O'Sullivan was in exactly the right place to make the save. It was one of many times when she would come to Wales' rescue.

Captain Sophie Ingle showed just why she had 100 caps when she played in Carrie Jones, but the promising nineteen year old's shot was saved. Sophie herself then had a chance, but she shot wide after being set up by Kayleigh Green

Carrie had another attempt, as did Wales' latest centurion Angharad James, whose shot went over the bar, while a header from Gemma Evans was very close. Kayleigh and Ceri Holland also had chances, but Slovenia stood firm - and they weren't giving up on finding a winner themselves.

Mateja Zver caused trouble for Wales all night long, and her attempt in the closing minutes was so good, it momentarily looked like a winner. Zala Maršnik in the Slovenia goal was also excellent, making some great saves from Carrie, Angharad and Gemma. 

In stoppage time, Slovenia continued to look dangerous, but Rhiannon Roberts, who'd been excellent in defence, as well as putting in some enticing crosses, wasn't about to let Wales lose in the final moments. If she hadn't stolen the ball at the crucial moment, maybe Wales wouldn't have been celebrating at all. As it is, Rhiannon celebrates the result and her 50th cap.

It wasn't Wales' best ever performance, but that only proves what Wales are capable of when they're not at their best. They were absolutely incredible - and have been throughout this campaign. 

There were some great individual performances. Carrie Jones, who sealed three of the necessary points in the previous match when she scored the only goal in Greece, didn't get on the scoresheet this time, but it wasn't for want of trying. The nineteen year old seemed to be everywhere in attack, making and creating chances as she fought to put Wales ahead, and was deservedly named Player of the Match. Clwb Pêl-Droed even compared her to Gareth Bale - I'm not sure praise comes higher. Ceri Holland hasn't been known for her goal-scoring prowess this campaign, but she has been excellent as a creator of chances, and this match was no exception.

Laura O'Sullivan, who isn't even a professional footballer, was on very fine form in goal. It was easy to see why none of the promising professional Welsh goalkeepers have managed to take the #1 spot from her (though they're talented and very young so the opportunities will come). Without Laura, there is a very good chance Wales would not be heading to the play-offs. She made some absolutely vital saves to keep Wales in the game.

Angharad James became the sixth Welsh woman (and ninth Welsh player overall) to play for Wales 100 times. At just 28 years old, she is the youngest player to achieve this.

Manager Gemma Grainger said she was proud of her team and they deserved their success... but they're not there yet. Sophie Ingle said the result was a highlight of her career, Angharad James is even prouder of her team-mates than her 100th cap, and Rhiannon Roberts is surely not alone in her belief that Wales can go further.

It was a hard-fought match, and credit to Wales for only settling for the draw in the closing stages, but in the end, it's Wales who go through. It's true that Wales aren't there yet, but they've achieved something no other Wales Women team has done before. There's more to do, but much to celebrate.

The reactions from the players made the night even more incredible. It's very special to see your team achieve something like this, but when it means just as much to the players, that's everything.


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