The key takeaways from Wales’ victory over New Zealand

Kayleigh Green’s stoppage time goal gave Wales victory over New Zealand in their final friendly before Qualifying. 

New Zealand, who will play a World Cup game in a weeks time were beaten by Wales who narrowly missed out on this summers showcase event. 

So what were the key takeaways from the match?

Another big crowd

It wasn’t the 2168 that was at Rodney Parade, but a 2011 crowd at Leckwith Stadium is something that can be applauded. 

These smaller venues are proving to be great for the Wales Women team and the Red Wall. The supporters feel close to the players and see the players who don the Wales shirt as their heroes. 

As the game moved to stoppage time, the crowd cheered the team on as they sensed a winning goal. It had almost felt like the crowd played a part in Kayleigh Green’s winner. 

Wales provide tough test for New Zealand

Given that New Zealand beat the third best team in the World on Saturday, this result will mean the world for Wales. 

It shows they can compete with some of the better sides in Europe. 

New Zealand are 17 places higher than Wales, so when the rankings come out, we could see a small rise from Wales, depending on how the World Cup goes.

Strong defensive performance

Gregorious who was on the scoresheet at the AMEX on Saturday is New Zealand’s highest leading scorer but she was unable to get past a strong Welsh defence.

Loren Dykes, Hayley Ladd and Sophie Ingle all put in a great shift in that backline of three. 

Ladd made a number of well-timed challenges, whilst Dykes made an important clearance and Ingle led by example. 

Confident performance from O’Sullivan

Wales’ goalkeeper Laura O’Sullivan was back to her best by keeping a second consecutive clean sheet. She denied Sarah Gregorius from the spot and made a number of important saves.

New Zealand tried a number of ways to attack Wales but when set pieces came in, the Cardiff City Ladies goalkeeper showed pure confidence and dealt with the danger.

To keep a clean sheet against a side which knows how to score, with a number of players in double figures for their country, O’Sullivan get take great confidence in her performance this evening.

Impressive tactics

Given the absence of Angharad James and Jess Fishlock tonight, Wales looked far more creative than they did against the Czech Republic.

With those two key players missing, it provided Elise Hughes the opportunity to showcase her worth. The young midfielder showed maturity beyond her years . 

Wales who looked to start with a 3-4-1-2 formation, combatted the 3-1-4-2 formation that New Zealand adopted. 

Jayne Ludlow’s side had just 34% off the ball but when they had it, they made it count. Four of their nine shots were on target and one of those was the deciding goal. 

What was impressive was how Jayne Ludlow managed the game. A number of players like Gemma Evans, Helen Ward and Natasha Harding weren’t just sticking to their position. They were alternating throughout the game and this showcased tactical versatility in game management.

Strength in depth

With a mixed bunch of players in regards to the level they play at domestically, as well as their fitness levels, the quality in her squad continues to grow. 

When Emma Jones came on for Helen Ward, she put in a good account of herself. She was unfortunate not to score and put in a solid performance. 

Charlie Estcourt and Kylie Nolan also offer Wales something different when coming on. 

Wales woes in front of goal are over

Having been ten hours without a goal, the duck is now off the back of the Wales attack. Green’s strike will give herself confidence going in to the Qualifiers and her other teammates. 

Wales weren’t as prolific in their last qualifying campaign and had only scored more than once in just one game, but with the chances created this evening, they should be fine when they take on the Faroe Islands in August. 

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)