Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson believes the Nations League will be a benchmark for her side, after discovering their opponents ahead of the competition’s latest instalment.
Cymru find themselves in Group A4 and they will face off against Italy, Denmark, and Sweden.
League A is the highest level of the competition, and Wilkinson is acutely aware of how difficult the challenge will be for Wales.
“There is no easy group in League A. The goal is to be in this league and to be competing and improving as a nation. I didn’t care who we got, and I mean that honestly, because it’s about building the game at home and exposing our players to some of the best nations in the world.”
The highest seed in the group, perhaps surprisingly, is Italy.
The Italians were in pot one alongside Spain, Germany, and France, and fans will feel a fixture against Le Azzure is kind.
However, Italy are a team on the up who have had rapidly developed over the last three years. Wilkinson once upon a time played in Italy, and has hailed the transformation within the team, and believes Wales could learn some lessons from what they’ve achieved.
“Look at the history of Italy. When I played for Canada, we used to see Italy as a guaranteed win. It was a team that didn’t have much of a player pool, that didn’t really deliver on the world stage, but now you see the investment and the opportunities this team have been given, and they’re pot one now.
“I look at them as a great example. They may have seen the women’s team as a box ticking exercise not so long ago, but they’ve got behind them and they are a sleeping giant that is awakening.
“Their league is now a top professional league, and we’re seeing that success translate through into the national team. In that way, with the investment and the growth, it can act as a blueprint for sides.
“Wales is on that journey. We’re not Italy, but we can learn from some of the lessons Italy have learned in the past.”
The final two teams to make up the group are the Scandinavian duo of Denmark and Sweden. Wales faced the Danes the last time they were in League A, while Sweden represent a stern test, especially as they’ve come third in two of the last three World Cups.
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Undoubtedly, both represent a huge test, but Wilkinson says her team will go all out against them, regardless of the implications that could have on the results.
“Sweden and Denmark are two countries that have a massive player pool, all young girls play football there, and they have a structured fluidity to their play that’s exciting and interesting.
“I find both of those countries ones where we can learn a lot about, because we are playing right on the edge of that creativity and structure.
“They both have incredibly talented players coming through, and it will be a real game of chess to neutralize what they’re doing without neutralizing ourselves.
“I actually believe in a bigger loss and trying to learn and be a better Wales and not shut up shop and try and make it as close a game as possible.”
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Ireland excitement
Attention, however, for Wales and for Wilkinson is firmly on their European Championship playoff final against the Republic of Ireland later this month.
As we count down the days until that first leg in Cardiff, nerves across the fanbase begin to increase, but for the Canadian, there are only feelings of excitement.
“It’s only feelings of excitement for us as a team ahead of this game. There’s a lot on these games that we can’t shy away from, but it’s an opportunity for these women to play for something that’s bigger than they are.
“They are building a legacy in Wales; they are trying to put their name on the map and change the game for women in Wales. This is the latest opportunity to do that, and I think they can go out with that kind of freedom.”
And there’s a lot to be excited about, especially with over 5000 tickets already sold for the clash at Cardiff City Stadium.
Cymru North and Cymru South matches have been moved from Friday night to enable more fans to attend this game, and Wilkinson says it will be a fun night for all involved.
“It’s a huge night, but I think it will be a fun night as well. With everything that’s on the line for this game, what better game is there than where the players can’t hold anything back?
“That Red Wall that we play in front of is a difference maker. I won’t be surprised when we break the record in ticket sales. I know we can do it, these women deserve it, and the fans will for sure have an impact on the result of the game.”
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