Wales Begin in Style: Fishlock Shines to Secure Perfect Start
Wales kicked off their bid to qualify for their first major tournament with an impressive 4-0 victory over Croatia. The match took place in Wrexham, and it was a dream start for Wales as they secured a convincing win.
Jess Fishlock, Wales’ most-capped player, played a crucial role in the victory. She scored within four minutes of both halves, showcasing her brilliance and proving why she is considered one of the world’s elite players. Fishlock’s goals put her ahead of Gareth Bale as Wales’ second-top scorer, just two goals behind Helen Ward.
Fishlock’s performance was not the only highlight of the match. Rachel Rowe added a third goal for Wales on 51 minutes, with Angharad James adding gloss to the finish with a spectacular volley from an acute angle. It was an all-around impressive display from the Welsh team, underlining their status as group favorites.
Wales’ new boss, Rhian Wilkinson, also made a winning start in her first game in charge. Wilkinson had promised to implement her own coaching ideas slowly, favoring an evolution rather than revolution approach. She made just one alteration to the Wales side that had previously won a friendly match in Dublin.
Wilkinson’s desire to fully embrace her Welsh heritage was evident as she sang Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the Welsh national anthem, before kick-off. It remains early in her tenure to fully assess what a Wilkinson team will look like, but it seems that Wales will continue to play a more expansive, possession-based game.
Wales dominated possession in the first half, with 79% of the ball. Their increased attacking impetus after the interval was evident, and it was only a matter of time before they scored more goals. Fishlock turned provider for Wales’ third goal, crossing to Rachel Rowe who expertly found the bottom corner.
There was still time for Wales to push for more goals, and they showed a clinical touch in front of the net. Angharad James scored a spectacular volley from an acute angle, while substitute Ceri Holland struck the crossbar with a long-range effort.
Overall, it was an excellent performance from Wales as they secured a perfect start to their qualification campaign. With Fishlock leading the way and Wilkinson implementing her coaching ideas, Wales’ bid to reach their first major finals looks promising. The team is on a mission, and their dream start in Wrexham has set the tone for an exciting journey ahead.