Wales captain Angharad James cites playoff history ahead of Albania second leg
Wales hold a 1-0 lead over Albania in their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final second leg, with captain Angharad James saying players have been reminded of past playoff highs and lows.
Wales captain Angharad James has revealed the squad held a players' meeting to ensure everyone understands the significance of Tuesday's Women's World Cup play-off semi-final second leg against Albania in Llanelli. Wales carry a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Shkoder as they pursue a first appearance at the tournament, which will be held in Brazil next year.
James, who has 146 caps for Seattle Reign, spoke about the contrasting emotions of Wales' previous play-off campaigns. Their first attempt, in qualifying for the 2023 World Cup, ended in defeat to Switzerland after an early lead was lost to a late extra-time goal. Two years later, Wales beat Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland to reach Euro 2025, the nation's first women's major tournament.
According to James, those experiences have been used to prepare a squad containing numerous younger players. She said the meeting aimed to make sure everyone was aware of what is at stake, describing the fixture as a final. She added that the disappointment in Switzerland fuelled the team for the success in Dublin.
James is one of only five players who started the decisive game in Dublin 22 months ago and remain in contention to face Albania, a reflection of a lengthy injury list. Defender Gemma Evans, another survivor of those pivotal matches, was shown in a team meeting losing a tooth during the win at the Aviva Stadium, a moment James recalled with a smile.
Wales beat Albania twice in the group phase, but James insisted the team must treat the second leg as a new 90-minute game rather than protecting their advantage. Victory would set up a play-off final in early December, likely against Norway, who are ranked 14th in the world and take a 2-0 lead into their second leg against Romania. Even then, Wales might face inter-confederation play-offs in February. James said the qualification process should be simplified, but that the focus remains on Albania.
Image: FAW / BBC Sport
