Wales player ratings as Australia steal late win in Cardiff
MONZA, ITALY - 21 FEBRUARY 2025: Wales' Mared Griffiths during the UEFA Women’s Nations League, Group A4 match between Italy and Wales at Brianteo Stadium in Monza on the 21st February 2025. (Pic by John Smith/FAW)
Wales were defeated 2-1 by Australia in Jess Fishlock’s final game for her nation.
Courtney Nevin put Australia ahead with a direct free-kick, but Mared Griffiths equalised midway through the second half, her first goal at senior level. But with three minutes remaining, Australia won it thanks to a Caitlin Foord strike.
Here’s how we rate the performance of every Wales player who faced off against the Matildas.
WALES PLAYER RATINGS VS. AUSTRALIA
Safia Middleton-Patel: 6/10
The goal won’t go down as an error on Middleton-Patel’s part. Certainly, more an error committed by the entire defensive unit. Overall, the Manchester United keeper came out of the box well, but there were some nervy handling moments.
Gwen Zimmerman: 7/10
To come in and play your first senior international game against the World Cup semi-finalists can be daunting, but Zimmerman fitted seamlessly into the system. Really good ability on the ball, sharp with her turns and her passing, and thought she was unlucky to go off at the break. A solid debut. Subbed off at half time.
Hayley Ladd: 6/10
A solid outing for Ladd. Sitting in the middle of that centre-back trio, the Evertonian is able to dictate play and set her midfielders away. Her defensive work was admirable too, as she put in a number of important blocks.
Gemma Evans: 6/10
We know what to expect from Evans for Wales, and against Australia she was back to doing what she does best; not giving the Aussie forwards a chance to breathe, putting in block after block, and making crunching tackles.
Ceri Holland: 8/10
How she didn’t get a penalty in the first half I’ll never know. Other than that, Holland was impressive once again. Made the left side of the pitch her own and contributed so effectively at both ends of the pitch.
Sophie Ingle: 8/10
That was vintage Sophie Ingle. Dictating play, making runs forward, and she really controlled the midfield. Ingle hasn’t started a Wales game for well over a year, but what you saw against Australia was why we need her playing every single game.
Angharad James: 7/10
A true box-to-box performance from James. Pushed high when she needed to, and did the same when coming back to defend. I actually enjoyed the fact she was also more willing to take shots from distance, because we know she’s got it in her locker.
Ffion Morgan: 6/10
It was a very 50/50 performance from Morgan. Going forward, she showed what she can do, but I would like to see her utilise her speed a little more, because pace frightens defenders. Tracking back was lacking too, but I’d like to see her in true winger role against Poland.
Hannah Cain: 6/10
Plenty to like from Cain in this game. The more games she plays for Wales, the more she’s able to recognise where the spaces are behind a defence, and which runs to make that cause problems. Can see her improving as every international window goes by. Subbed off 68th minute.
Mared Griffiths: 9/10
You’re never going to replace Fishlock, but Griffiths showed qualities today that made you think, she could be the next Welsh great. Her work rate was sensational, and she played that midfielder-attacker hybrid role so well. And that finish? Breathtaking. Brilliant display.
Jess Fishlock: 7/10
What’s there left to say? We saw every component that made Fishlock the greatest to ever do it in the red of Wales. The passing, the touches, the eye for goal, the warrior type attitude. Now, it’s all over. Thank you will never be enough. Subbed off 92nd minute.
Australia striker Sam Kerr pays tribute to Wales “icon” Jess Fishlock
Charlie Estcourt: 7/10
Subbed on at half time. Estcourt came on in a rather unfamiliar position, but she looked very effective in the centre-back role. She added an element of pace and really linked up well with those around her.
Elise Hughes: 6/10
Subbed on 68th minute. Hughes got into good areas and came on at a time when Wales could have gone on and won the game. Was effective at bringing the likes of Jones and Holland into the attack but couldn’t quite get herself into those scoring areas.
Scarlett Hill: N/A
Subbed on 82nd minute. Good to see Hill come on make her debut and she slotted in well in the wing-back spot.
Carrie Jones: N/A
Subbed on 82nd minute. Came on, looked lively, and maybe could have scored at the end.
Tianna Teisar: N/A
Subbed on 92nd minute. Great to see another debut, and I have no doubt it’ll be the first of many caps.
Rhian Wilkinson: 8/10
Despite it being a friendly, this was one of the strongest performances under Wilkinson. Tactically, she got so many things right, and she put faith in the right youngsters who really showed that they can compete against some of the very best in the world.
