Ukraine v Wales player ratings: An 8 and a 7 despite draw
POZNAN, POLAND - 04 JUNE 2024: Wales team photo during the UEFA Womens Euro 2025 qualifier League B match between Ukraine Women and Wales Women at Stadion Miejski W Grodzisku in Poland on the 4th of June 2024. (Pic by Ashley Crowden/FAW)
Wales suffered late heartbreak against Ukraine, as they conceded in the 98th minute to draw 2-2 out in Poland.
After Yana Kalinina gave Ukraine the lead in the first half, Wales rallied back in the second half through a Kayleigh Barton penalty and a Jess Fishlock thunderbolt. Yet, Nicole Kozlova’s dramatic late header meant Wales left Poznan with a point.
Here’s how we rate all the players who took to the field in Poland on Tuesday night.
WALES PLAYER RATINGS
Olivia Clark – 5
Can’t remember seeing her make a save at all in the game, but she also couldn’t do much about the two goals that went in. Just one of those games for the Bristol City shot stopper.
Hayley Ladd – 5
A pretty standard night for the captain. Thought she was ok positioning wise but did feel like she struggled when Ukraine were putting balls over the top for their attackers to run onto. Don’t think the defence were brilliant at all.
Sophie Ingle – 5
So odd seeing her in the back line. Did well when spraying passes around, but sometimes, felt like she would get sucked in a little too much into the midfield which left space in behind for Ukraine to exploit.
Gemma Evans – 6
I would say Evans was the best defender of the three. Had a big wobble towards the end but was impressed with her range of passing on the night.
Ceri Holland – 8
Once again, Holland was Wales’ best player. Playing in an unfamiliar wing back role didn’t stop her from having a huge impact on the game. She ran at defenders for fun, was able to put good deliveries into the box, and overall, she is the most important component of this team.
Angharad James – 5
Was better in this game compared to the one in Llanelli, but again, I thought it was difficult for the midfield two to impose themselves on the game. Think Ukraine got their tactics spot on in the middle of the park rather than the two having a poor game.
Jess Fishlock – 6
Similar to James in the fact that she would go a little unnoticed for large parts of the game, but of course, we have to talk about that goal. It’s a goal that encapsulates Fishlock in a nutshell. She has the ability to create something from nothing, and it’s a shame we couldn’t hold on.
Lois Joel – 6
I was really impressed with Joel on her first senior start. Wing back isn’t her natural position, but I thought she coped well overall. Really liked the way she got forward and took on her opponent, and she was always trying to make something happen. Subbed off 68th minute.
Carrie Jones – 5
Much like the midfield, I thought the wingers struggled to impose themselves throughout the game. I don’t think Jones got on the ball as much as she would have liked, but I think against Croatia and Kosovo, given the opportunity, we will see once again just what she’s all about. Subbed off 68th minute.
Kayleigh Barton – 7
Personally, I think this was one of Barton’s best games in a Wales shirt. Often isolated up front, she was always on the move, always ready to hold up the ball and be the presence that was needed at times. A great penalty, and Barton could have had more too. Subbed off 85th minute.
Rachel Rowe – 5
Didn’t think Rowe was allowed to play the game she wanted. Thought she was targeted by Ukraine, who clearly knew how big a threat she was. Had a chance inside two minutes, but other than that, was quiet.
Lily Woodham – 5
Subbed on 68th minute. Came on at the right time and when Wales were trying to impose themselves on Ukraine. Had a bit of success early on, but think the whole team struggled in the closing moments to contain their opponents.
Mary McAteer – 5
Subbed on 68th minute. Like other forwards, struggled to really get her foot in the game. Similar to Jones, I don’t think Ukraine was the right opponent for her, but against Kosovo, for example, I think we can get a really good idea of what McAteer can do.
Rhiannon Roberts – 5
Subbed on 85th minute. Came on to try and wrap up all three points, but was the defender who lost track of Kozlova, who headed home the equaliser late on.
