Jess Fishlock equalled Helen Ward’s all-time goalscoring record, as Wales defeated Croatia 3-0 to move top of their qualifying group.
Fishlock scored her 44th goal in a Wales shirt in the first half, before Sophie Ingle and Kayleigh Barton added the icing on the cake in the second to seal a comfortable win.
Not only do Wales move to the top of group B4, but they also secured a spot as a seeded team in the first round of the playoffs.
Head coach Rhian Wilkinson elected to make two changes from the side that drew 2-2 with Ukraine in Poland last month. Lois Joel and Carrie Jones came out of the eleven, with Ella Powell and Rhiannon Roberts replacing them.
The Canadian has been stressing all week that she wants to see the lessons Wales learned against Ukraine put into practice out in the Balkans, and from the off, you could see that the team had been working hard.
There was plenty of energy and attacking intent in this Wales side. While no clear chances were created in the opening ten minutes, down the right side in particular, Croatia couldn’t cope with what Cymru were throwing at them.
Yet, the issue of the defence was still a lingering concern. Hayley Ladd was robbed of the ball inside her own half, but as Croatia broke, they couldn’t create anything. From a set-piece, Wales couldn’t clear, and there was a sense of panic at the back, a panic that hadn’t existed for so long.
However, that panic soon subsided, as Wales took the lead on the 14-minute mark. From a throw in, Rachel Rowe played a cute ball inside the box into the path of Angharad James. Her cross was dummied by Sophie Ingle, which allowed Fishlock to strike the ball in off the underside of the bar.
That goal took her onto 44 goals, level with record goal scorer and long-time teammate Helen Ward. It’s surely only a matter of time before Fishlock has the record all to herself.
Now ahead, Wales looked to try and get themselves further in front. At times, Croatia’s defence looked all at sea, as the Welsh chances started to pile up. Ingle had a volley and a header well saved by Doris Bačić, Ceri Holland saw her free kick tipped wide, while Kayleigh Barton’s strike was ruled out for offside.
For Croatia, Ana Maria Marković proved to be a pacey customer when the home side managed to find her with long balls forward, but to their credit, the likes of Rhianon Roberts dealt with her speed well.
Wales in front at the break, but you felt like there was another gear they could reach to make the game that little bit more comfortable.
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The second half started where the first ended, with Wales on top. While not creating any notable opportunities, Croatia never looked like a threat, and if anything was going to happen, it would come from a Wales perspective.
Shortly after the hour, the second Wales goal did come. Rowe’s cross from deep caused problems for Croatia, who one again couldn’t clear their lines, and there to pounce in the six-yard box was Ingle, who poked the ball in off the inside of the post. Finally, Wales had breathing space.
You could forgive Wilkinson’s side for lifting their foot off the gas after the second goal, but they did so in a professional manner. Apart from the odd ball over the top, Olivia Clark didn’t have a save to make, and the Welsh setup looked resolute.
This also allowed the head coach to utilise some newer faces. Southampton’s Alice Griffiths and Manchester United’s Mayzee Davies both getting a ten-minute cameo.
And it was the Southampton midfielder who was key in making Wales’ third goal of the night. Her pinpoint through ball found Holland’s run into the box, and she was fouled by Kristina Nevrkla. Penalty given. Up stepped Barton, who struck home masterfully to convert her third penalty in as many games.
A great way to end a dominant performance by Wales, who secure themselves a seeded spot in the first round of the playoffs.
Wales end their qualifying campaign on Tuesday night in Llanelli against bottom of the table Kosovo. The game kicks off at 6pm.
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Player of the Match: Angharad James
A number of great performances out on the pitch, but I thought James was brilliant. She went about her work quietly but effectively. She set up the first goal well, and she worked tirelessly in the midfield, who thwarted any Croatian threat coming their way. After two difficult games against Ukraine, James was back to her best tonight.
Croatia
Doris Bačić ©, Antonia Dulčić, Tea Vračević, Kristina Nevrkla, Ana Jelenčić (Janja Čanjevac 46’), Petra Mikulica, Ana Maria Marković (Helena Spajić 90’), Ivana Slipčević (Andrea Gilbo 78’), Tea Krznarić (Ella Ljuština 78’), Petra Pezelj, Izabela Lojna (Ružica Krajinović 62’)
Unused subs: Ana Filipović, Nika Radolović, Lucia Orkić, Karla Jedvaj, Maria Kunštek, Andrea Iljkić, Antea Batarilo
Yellows: Izabela Lojna (39’)
Wales
Olivia Clark, Rhiannon Roberts (Mayzee Davies 79’), Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Ceri Holland ©, Angharad James, Sophie Ingle, Ella Powell (Ffion Morgan 67’), Jess Fishlock (Alice Griffiths 79’), Rachel Rowe (Carrie Jones 67’), Kayleigh Barton (Lily Woodham 90’)
Unused subs: Laura O’Sullivan, Safia Middleton-Patel, Lois Joel, Tianna Teisar, Charlie Estcourt, Mary McAteer, Ellen Jones
Goals: Jess Fishlock (14’), Sophie Ingle (66’), Kayleigh Barton (89’ p)
Yellows: Gemma Evans (80’)
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