Wales started 2024 in fine fashion, as they defeated the Republic of Ireland away from home 2-0.
Early goals from Jess Fishlock and Lily Woodham had Wales in front early, and that’s how it remained.
It was one of the best first halves a Welsh team has produced in recent times, and it certainly bodes well for the upcoming qualifiers.
As far as Wales were concerned from a team selection standpoint, they played with a back three, with Josie Green operating in a centre-back role. Elise Hughes was also tasked with leading the front line, while being flanked by Rachel Rowe and Jess Fishlock
For Ireland, apart from Denise O’Sullivan, this was a pretty full-strength team with all of their stars, including Katie McCabe, starting.
From the off Wales were on the front foot. Waves of early pressure had the Irish backline asking questions of themselves, and those questions became louder as Wales took the lead. A corner found Sophie Ingle at the far post, and while her shot was saved, Jess Fishlock pounced on the rebound to score from close range.
Despite Wales being on the front foot for the majority of the opening period, Ireland began to find some opportunities. Leanne Kiernan’s cross turned shot looped onto the top of the net, while Liv Clark made a world class double save to keep Wales ahead.
How Jon Grey’s side would capitalise on that, as they doubled the lead midway through the half. Rhiannon Roberts’ cross was flicked on by Elise Hughes and into Lily Woodham, who rifled in at the far post.
This was the most comfortable a Wales side has looked for a long while. At no stage were players flustered. They were composed, knew their roles, and executed it to perfection.
Hughes could have added a third before the break, but heading back into the dressing room, Wales looked almighty, while Ireland had a lot of work to do.
The second half certainly didn’t have as much intensity as the first, but Wales still maintained a good level of control and always seemed to keep Ireland away at arm’s length.
Chances came few and far between, and despite Ireland venturing more into Welsh territory, the defence looked more than assured.
When it was their turn to come forward, Wales did so with purpose, always trying to find the overlap, but couldn’t quite get that final pass or shot away.
New manager Rhian Wilkinson was in the stands to watch the game, and she would have been very excited seeing what these Cymru team managed to do against a team who ran Australia and Canada close in the previous World Cup.
Wales’ next games will be at the start of April when they begin their European Championships qualifying campaign, the draw for which takes place next week.
Player of the Match: Josie Green
No one in the Welsh team had a bad game, everyone was superb. But for me, Joise Green was outstanding. For two games in a row now, Green has come into the defence and provided a level of composure and calmness which is to be applauded. She’s taken a lot of pressure away from Ladd and Evans, and she could be key in these set of qualifiers.
Republic of Ireland
Courtney Brosnan, Jessie Stapleton (Lily Agg 88’), Diane Caldwell (Louise Quinn 46’), Megan Connolly, Ruesha Littlejohn, Amber Barrett (Kyra Carusa 46’), Katie McCabe © (Izzy Atkinson 73’), Caitlin Hayes, Heather Payne, Leanne Kiernan (Emily Murphy 46’), Jess Ziu
Unused Subs: Grace Moloney, Sophie Whitehouse, Megan Campbell, Niamh Fahey, Aoife Mannion, Lucy Quinn, Abbie Larkin
Wales
Liv Clark, Gemma Evans, Hayley Ladd, Josie Green, Lily Woodham (Ella Powell 63’), Rhiannon Roberts (Charlie Estcourt 63’), Sophie Ingle ©, Angharad James (Ceri Holland 64’), Jess Fishlock (Lois Joel 81’), Rachel Rowe (Carrie Jones 72’), Elise Hughes (Kayleigh Barton 82’)
Unused Subs: Laura O’Sullivan, Safia Middleton-Patel, Mary McAteer, Tegan McGowan, Alice Griffiths, Ffion Morgan, Mayzee Davies, Olivia Francis
Goals: Jess Fishlock (7’), Lily Woodham (22’)
Yellows: Jess Fishlock (49’), Angharad James (57’), Elise Hughes (80’)
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