Wales vs Sweden: Cymru claim priceless point as Kayleigh Barton shows her composure

Wales came back from behind to claim a stunning point against Sweden, drawing 1-1 at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham.

Filippa Angeldahl had put Sweden ahead in the first half, but Wales equalised late in the second half through a Kayleigh Barton penalty.

The result does keep Wales bottom of the table, but only two points behind Italy and Denmark.

Rhian Wilkinson elected to make five changes to the side that were defeated by Italy in Monza. Among the names to drop out were record goal scorer Jess Fishlock, and defender Mayzee Davies. Josie Green and Charlie Estcourt, however, were among the names to return to the line-up.

Sweden manager Peter Gerhardsson made three changes from his team that beat Denmark in their Nations League opener. Barcelona’s Fridolina Rolfö was the key player missing for the Swedes, but there were starts for Chelsea’s Johanna Rytting Kaneryd and Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius.

Wales started well and controlled possession in the early phases, but it was Sweden who took the lead 14 minutes in. Matilda Vinberg wriggled into space after getting away from Estcourt, and her cross into the area was parried into a dangerous area by Olivia Clark. There to put in the rebound was Real Madrid’s Filippa Angeldahl, and the goal certainly drained some life out of the Racecourse.

Yet, that was the only real notable talking point of the half. Like in Monza, Wales weren’t over roared by their higher-ranking opponents. They kept the ball well and forced them into poor passes, but a lack of pace up front was beginning to cost Wilkinson’s side.

In terms of half chances, the nearest Wales came to breaching Jennifer Falk’s goal was through Carrie Jones, but her shot from just inside the box was block. Blackstenius put a header over the bar at the other end, but at the break, Sweden had the lead.

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The second half certainly had more of an attacking edge to it, and it was Sweden who looked on top. Rytting Kaneryd put the ball wide after scampering through the defence, while Clark had to be on hand to thwart Blackstenius.

One Welsh player who came out with far more intent in the second half was Ceri Holland. With darting runs and close ball control, the Swedish defence couldn’t deal with her. Yet, Wales couldn’t quite create anything clear cut in front of goal.

Back came Sweden, who had a number of chances to stretch their lead. Julia Zigotti Olme headed onto the top of the crossbar, before Blackstenius squandered a one-on-one chance by hitting the base of the post.

And if you don’t take your chances, there’s a chance to get pegged back, and Wales had a glorious chance to do just that with 15 minutes left, as Emma Kullberg handled the ball in the area. Up stepped Kayleigh Barton, who slammed the ball into the roof of the net. The Racecourse had liftoff!

Sweden were clearly rocked by the equaliser, and didn’t seem to know what to do. That was evident when Wales almost took the lead minutes after scoring. Holland’s shot was parried by Falk, but Fishlock couldn’t quite convert the rebound.

Gerhardsson’s side pushed hard for a winning goal, but they couldn’t make things stick in the final third, and Wales would come away with a truly stunning point against the country ranked fifth in the world.

Wales will next be in action on Friday April 4^th, as they welcome Denmark to Cardiff City Stadium.

Player of the Match: Kayleigh Barton

Barton was exceptional tonight. We know she’s always been a physical threat, but she was so much more than that. Quick on the turn, linking up well, bursts of pace that are hard to contain. An exceptional display from the Charlton forward.

Wales

Olivia Clark, Josie Green, Hayley Ladd, Gemma Evans, Charlie Estcourt (Rhiannon Roberts 46’), Angharad James ©, Lois Joel (Jess Fishlock 46’), Ella Powell (Lily Woodham 68’), Ceri Holland, Kayleigh Barton (Elise Hughes 77’), Carrie Jones (Hannah Cain 46’)

Unused subs: Laura O’Sullivan-Jones, Safia Middleton-Patel, Mayzee Davies, Ellen Jones, Mared Griffiths, Alice Griffiths, Ffion Morgan

Goals: Kayleigh Barton (76’ p)

Yellows: Ella Powell (43’)

Sweden

Jennifer Falk, Hanna Lundkvist, Emma Kullberg, Magdalena Eriksson ©, Amanda Nildén (Jonna Andersson 82’), Hanna Bennison, Flilippa Angeldahl, Julia Zigotti Olme (Kosovare Asllani 62’), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Sofia Jakobsson 82’), Stina Blackstenius, Matilda Vinberg (Rebecka Blomqvist 62’)

Unused subs: Sofia Hjern, Tove Enblom, Linda Sembrant, Hanna Wijk, Josefine Rybrink, Evelyn Ijeh, Fridolina Rolfö, My Cato

Goals: Filippa Angeldahl (14’)

Unused subs: Julia Zigotti Olme (52’)

(Featured Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)