Wales reach World Cup play-off final against Norway, Wilkinson says pressure is on the favourites
Wales beat Albania 3-0 to reach a Women's World Cup play-off final against Norway, with head coach Rhian Wilkinson saying the pressure lies with Gemma Grainger's higher-ranked side.
Wales advanced to the Women's World Cup play-off final after a 3-0 win over Albania in Llanelli, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory in their semi-final. Mayzee Davies, Elise Hughes and Hannah Cain scored as Wales responded to an unconvincing first-leg display last Friday.
Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson said the performance against Albania was a reversal of the away leg, praising her team's intensity and defensive bite. She highlighted captain Angharad James for leading an intense, strong display from the first minute and described the young side as exciting.
In the final, Wales face Norway, the 1995 world champions, who are ranked 14th in the world and have qualified for every Women's World Cup since 1991. Norway are managed by Gemma Grainger, a former Wales boss. The first leg is at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday, 1 December, with the return in Norway four days later.
Wales are ranked 17 places below Norway and have never beaten a top-20 ranked team in a competitive fixture. Wilkinson insisted the pressure is on the bigger nation and said Wales can cause an upset, adding that her players can go toe-to-toe with Norway. Supporters following the team have welcomed the prospect of a first World Cup appearance, though the scale of the task is widely acknowledged.
Even a win over Norway may not guarantee Wales a place at next year's World Cup in Brazil. Depending on other European play-off results, Wales could face an inter-confederation play-off next February. Wilkinson said the World Cup remains distant and stressed her focus is only on the next game.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
