The results needed as Wales hope for Women’s World Cup play-off spot
CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM. August 31 2018. FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier between Wales and England at Rodney Parade in Newport. Final score Wales W 0-3 England W © Photo Matthew Lofthouse - Freelance Photographer
http://gty.im/1025628606
Wales may be hurting after losing to England, but there’s still the slightest bit of hope, they could qualify.
Despite securing their highest finish in Qualification, they aren’t guaranteed a least a place in the play-off round, despite finishing second.
Out of the seven group runners-up, only four will be eligible for a playoff spot, currently, Wales are one of those but have played a game more than their opponents.
Here are the permutations and what is being said as we look back on Wales’ Qualifying Campaign.
What is needed?
Not even 24 hours after the defeat at Rodney Parade, Wales were handed in a boost in their playoff bid. In a group deciding match, Germany beat England to all but confirm their place in next years competition.
Wales fans must now lend their support to the Czech Republic and Italy.
Belgium are currently 6th in the playoff table on ten points with the same goal difference as Wales.
Belgium host Italy at the Den Dreed in Leuven this Tuesday. Italy has already qualified and have won seven out of their seven games.
It was a 2-1 victory for the Italians met the Belgians at the Stadio Paolo Mazza in Ferrara in April and Wales will be hoping for more of the same.
With just two conceded, Italy have a sturdy defence but will have to deal with the most prolific team in qualifying, Belgium who have scored an impressive 26 goals.
With simple math done, Wales need Italy to beat the Belgians in Belgium, thus going eight wins out of eight.
Basically, Tuesday is D-Day for Wales. Both games kick off at 16:00, so keep an eye out for both games.
READ MORE: Wales 0-3 England: Lionesses show clinical edge in superb second-half performance
Switching to Group Five of Qualifying, Iceland host the Czech Republic at the Laugardalsvöllur in Reykjavík.
One thing on the side of the Czechs are that they have three players on four goals, compared to Iceland’s one.
Petra Divišová, Tereza Kožárová and Kateřina Svitková, all have four goals, just like Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir.
In the last meeting between the Czech Republic and Iceland, it was a 1-1 draw in the Městský Stadion in Znojmo. Wales need the Czech Republic to go one better and beat them.
http://gty.im/1025628504
What does Jayne Ludlow have to say?
In her post-match press conference, Wales manager Jayne Ludlow said: “There is still hope and we’ll hold on to that for as long as we can.”
However, even if the set of results don’t go the way of Wales, then Jayne Ludlow and her side are already planning for the European Championships.
England have put in a bid to host the tournament in 2021, with the decision to be made in December and the Qualifying groups to be drawn in February.
“If we don’t get a play-off place we are already looking ahead to the next campaign.”
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
