Croatia vs. Wales player ratings: Three 8s as Wales move top

Wales moved to the top of their European qualifying group after a 3-0 win away to Croatia.

A first half goal from Jess Fishlock, who equalled Helen Ward’s all-time goalscoring record, coupled with second half strikes from Sophie Ingle and Kayleigh Barton made it a comfortable night for Wales. Rhian Wilkinson’s team also secured themselves a seeded spot in the playoffs with that big win.

Here’s how we rate all the players who took to the field in Karlovac on Friday night.

WALES PLAYER RATINGS

Olivia Clark – 6

While Clark had no saves of note to make, what I really liked about her performance is how quickly she came off her line. Ana Maria Marković was really quick, but every time, Clark was there to the ball first.

Rhiannon Roberts – 7

Roberts was back to the levels we’ve come to expect from her after below par games against Ukraine. Got back really well to deal with Marković, and thought she was the best defender out of the three who started the game. Subbed off 79^th minute.

Hayley Ladd – 6

Ladd had a little wobble early on where she lost the ball a little cheaply for her liking but recovered well after that. Do think the lack of football at Manchester United this year hasn’t helped, and a move away from Old Trafford could be beneficial for her ahead of the new season.

Gemma Evans – 6

Yet another solid defensive display from Evans. Aerially, no one was able to get near her, as per usual, and I liked how she was able to get forward a lot more than she usually does in this game, as her deliveries are better than most.

Ceri Holland – 8

Holland has been Wales’ standout performer during this qualification campaign, and Friday night was no different. The captain’s armband didn’t weigh her down as she made the right side her own, giving her opponent a torrid time for 90 minutes. It’s impossible to think of a Wales team without Holland.

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Angharad James – 8

There were a number of candidates for player of the match, but I gave the nod to James. After two tough games against Ukraine, James showed exactly what she was made of. Spraying balls here, there and everywhere, putting in plenty of tackles, and her partnership with Ingle was world-class.

Sophie Ingle – 8

What I really enjoyed about Ingle’s performance was how far forward she was able to get. On another day, the Chelsea stalwart could’ve had a hat-trick, but she had to settle for just the one goal. If Wilkinson allows Ingle to get forward more, it brings a whole different dynamic to this Wales team.

Ella Powell – 6

Feel like Wales utilised the right flank more than the left. If they did, I think we would see a really dominant attacking performance from Powell. The Bristol City defender did well, put some really good tackles in, and didn’t really put a foot wrong. Subbed off 67^th minute.

Jess Fishlock – 7

What a moment it was to see Fishlock equal Helen Ward’s record. Outside of her goal, Fishlock was everywhere. She slotted in at wing-back, a defensive midfielder, a striker, there’s nothing she can’t do. Surely, she will see Tuesday as a prime opportunity to take the record outright. Subbed off 79^th minute.

Charlie Estcourt opens up on the fall of Reading

Rachel Rowe – 7

When the game started, I think Rowe was perhaps Wales’ most energetic players. Always looking to make runs in behind, opening up space, even though she was getting kicked all over the park by Croatia. Put in a wicked cross for the second goal too. Subbed of 67^th minute.

Kayleigh Barton – 7

Under Wilkinson, I feel like we’ve seen a different Barton. A striker who has a lot more confidence, who moves around so well, linking up with others, opening up space. Barton could well be a crucial part of the puzzle as Wales try and qualify for their first major tournament. Subbed off 90^th minute.

Ffion Morgan – 6

Subbed on 67^th minute. Did fine and got forward well, but I wish she would utilise her speed more. Morgan used her burst of pace once and got into a great position, but I wish we could see that more often, because it really hurts opposition teams.

Carrie Jones – 6

Subbed on 67^th minute. Came on after Wales scored the second goal and so didn’t get forward as much as they did in the previous 67 minutes. Now Wales have secured themselves a spot as a seeded team, maybe we see Jones start against Kosovo, a game where I think she could make a real impact.

Alice Griffiths – 7

Subbed on 79^th minute. Considering Griffiths was only on for just over ten minutes, what an impact she had! Taking shots from distance, making key passes, the Southampton midfielder showed exactly what she can provide to this Wales team.

Mayzee Davies – 6

Subbed on 79^th minute. Another appearance for the Man United youngster, and she picked up from where Roberts left off. Marked Marković well, and never looked under threat from any Croatian attack.

Lily Woodham – N/A

Subbed on 90^th minute. Wasn’t on long enough to make an impact but was a surprise not to see Woodham start this game.

Rhian Wilkinson – 7

From a tactical point of view, I thought Wilkinson did well. Wanted to get on the front foot throughout, and we saw that so clearly. Really liked her substitutes as well, who all performed well. Question now is, how much does the head coach rotate on Tuesday night?

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)