Harry Stanton and Wallace Scott
Wales moved a huge step closer in their campaign for their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup on Tuesday (13th), with a comfortable and commanding 3-0 (4-0 aggregate) win against Albania at Parc Y Scarlets, in Llanelli – booking Rhian Wilkinsons side a well-deserved trip to Norway and Cardiff next month. After they beat Romania 8-0 aggregate, the Norwegian side will be a challenging rival in their campaign to reach their 10th World Cup final tournament.
Early chances came thick and fast for the exciting Wales suit, with Mared Griffiths testing the Albanian keeper twice in the first 10 minutes. Complete control of the midfield denied Albania of any serious possession within the half, the young Scarlett Hill with some textbook, scintillating challenges and chances; trying desperately to conjure an opening score.
But it was Mayzee Davies who finally achieved the well-anticipated first goal for Wales at 34 minutes. She headed on the edge of the six-yard box to the top left of the goal leaving Spahiu with no chance, giving her side a comfortable lead going into halftime. Hannah Cain also deserves recognition for her outstanding chance-creation throughout the half, showcasing the quality that has made herself the leading Welsh scorer in the qualifiers. Wales dominated every statistic within the first half, cementing their evident desire to go all the way in this competition.
The second half was much of the same story for each side, although Albania did show some fighting spirit within the first five minutes by keeping possession . However, it’s safe to say it didn’t last long, after an exceptional run from Mared Griffiths down the left hand side of the box erupted the packed-out main stand of Parc y Scarlets, but it was Elise Hughes of Sunderland A.F.C who got the score, advancing Wales’s lead yet again at the 50-minute mark.
Hughes and Griffiths created many chances alike, both deserving of player of the match with the electricity they provided for their country. The last goal (but certainly not least) scored by excellent positioning from Hannah Cain, with another blinding, skillfull run from Mared Griffiths providing the space for the accurate cross. Hughes was shortly subbed off afterwards, Parc Y Scarlets erupted in applause for the second goal scorer. After a few late chances missed by both teams, especially for Albania’s number nine Troka who put it slightly wide of the top corner, but the offside flag was raised and the full-time whistle blew, ending an end-to-end thrilling domination from the home side. Wales 3-0 Albania set up and highly anticipated final 2 legs against a much tougher opponent.
Rhian Wilkinson praised the improvement of her players at the after match press conference compared to the first leg, noting an improvement in their intensity and passing. While she acknowledged Norway’s higher individual quality, she detailed the difficulties of setting up against an organised and intense side like Albania, stating that the connection her players showed in this second leg would enable them “to compete with any team”. She stated the importance for her players not to look at Norway as a different class of team to themselves, believing they are good enough “to go toe-to-toe with them” in the December fixtures that will decide who secures a ticket to Brazil for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.