A gritty Welsh performance against Slovenia was enough to see them make history and reach the World Cup playoffs for the first time.
In front of a record crowd of 12,741 fans, this talented Wales team showed a different side to them that we haven’t perhaps seen under Gemma Grainger, as they drew 0-0 with their Slovenian counterparts.
They weren’t as expansive as we’ve seen but it’s another layer to this talented team, a layer that could prove vital going into these playoffs.
The opening five minutes looked promising for Cymru. They didn’t seem to be overwhelmed by the record crowd and were happy to pass it around the Slovenian defence.
However, this is a Slovenia team that can more than hold their own, as seen in their results against France this campaign, and they fired a few warning shots at Wales.
A loose ball from Rachel Rowe was intercepted well by Mateja Zver and she had a clear route on goal, but her shot was well saved by Laura O’Sullivan.
O’Sullivan was called into action again two minutes later. Wales failed to clear a corner and the ball was played back into the area by Zver onto the head of Špela Kolbl, but O’Sullivan spread her arms out well to thwart her.
Cymru soon found their feet and had their first chance 25 minutes in. Ceri Holland intercepted the ball in her own box before making a magnificent run into the midfield.
Quickly the ball was spread from right to left and eventually to the feet of Carrie Jones. Jones jinked her way into the box and had a curling effort, but it was well saved by Slovenian keeper Zala Meršnik.
But again, Slovenia sent a reminder of what they were capable of. Captain Zver again was key to the move, weaving her way past numerous Welsh defenders, before her shot dipped over the bar.
Wales finished the half with chances through Sophie Ingle and Kayleigh Green, but they didn’t come off, and they headed into the break level, but something felt disjointed with this exciting Welsh team.
Gemma Grainger must’ve had words for her team at half time, and they came out with more fire at the start of the second half.
Early chances from Angharad James and Jones set the tone for what Wales fans would hope to be an attacking half of football.
But again, for the majority of the second half that wasn’t forthcoming. A mix of stoic Slovenian defence and poor final balls from Cymru made for frustrating viewing.
Wales needed a spark, and it was Carrie Jones who provided it.
Once again, the Leicester forward drove into dangerous territory and unleashed a fierce shot, which Meršnik did well to parry away for a corner.
From that corner, a delivery from James found the oncoming head of Gemma Evans, but Meršnik once again was equal to it, and did superbly well to deny the Reading defender.
But Zver for Slovenia was knocking on the Welsh door again. She made space for herself on the corner of the area, and it fizzled past the post to the relief of Welsh fans everywhere.
While Welsh fans may have been nervous in the stands or in their living rooms, these players are made differently. They saw the game out in a professional manner and eased the tensions around the Cardiff City Stadium and deservedly booked their place in the World Cup playoffs.
Player of the Match: Carrie Jones
An awe-inspiring performance from Jones once again. While the scoreline was goalless, there’s no doubt that her energy, her determination, and her flair bought this capacity crowd alive.
Cymru: Laura O’Sullivan (GK), Rhiannon Roberts, Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Rachel Rowe, Angharad James, Sophie Ingle ©, Tash Harding, Carrie Jones, Ceri Holland, Kayleigh Green (Ffion Morgan, 88’)
Unused Subs: Liv Clark (GK), Safia Middleton-Patel (GK), Lily Woodham, Josie Green, Helen Ward, Jess Fishlock, Elise Hughes, Charlie Estcourt, Georgia Walters, Meg Wynne, Anna Filbey
Yellow Cards: Kayleigh Green (75’), Hayley Ladd (77’)
Slovenia: Zala Meršnik (GK), Kaja Eržen, Lana Golob, Sara Agrež, Kristina Erman (Izabela Križaj, 79’), Dominika Čonč, Kaja Korošec, Špela Kolbl (Ana Milović, 67’), Manja Rogan (Zala Kuštrin, 67’), Mateja Zver ©, Lara Prašnikar
Unused Subs: Živa Galjot (GK), Sara Nemet (GK), Sara Gradišek, Špela Rozmarič, Lara Klopčič, Sara Makovec, Nika Babnik, Zala Vindišar
Yellow Cards: Špela Kolbl (50’), Sara Agrež (75’)
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