Wales Seek Play-off Final Spot After Narrow Win in Albania
Wales take a 1-0 lead into the second leg of their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final against Albania, hoping a return to Llanelli will produce a more convincing performance.
Wales will host Albania in the second leg of their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final on Tuesday at Llanelli, holding a 1-0 advantage from Friday's first leg in Shkoder. The only goal came when Albania's Ezmiralda Franja turned Lily Woodham's corner into her own net. Wales rarely threatened otherwise, while Albania hit the post and had a goal ruled out for offside, forcing goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel into several saves.
The narrow win followed a pattern from Wales' away group matches: positive results without dominant displays. They drew in the Czech Republic, won 1-0 in Albania and drew 1-1 in Montenegro to top their group, but at home they impressed with resounding victories. Head coach Rhian Wilkinson acknowledged the team found a way to win on a 'hard day' and stressed the need to improve standards.
Captain Angharad James said the result and clean sheet were crucial, adding that playing in Wales is something the group loves. Midfielder Rachel Rowe admitted Wales rode their luck, while Sophie Ingle called for more calmness in possession and better handling of Albania's quick counter-attacks.
Wales are unbeaten in nine matches, equalling their previous best run from 2013-2014. A win or draw in Llanelli would extend that to 10 and secure a play-off final spot, likely against Norway in December. Norway lead Romania 2-0 after their first leg, and their coach Gemma Grainger, formerly in charge of Wales, will be monitoring closely.
Wilkinson's squad is missing nine regular players through injury, but some could return for the final. Albania, ranked 37 places below Wales, will travel believing they can overturn the deficit after creating the better chances in the first leg. Wales hope to reproduce their 4-0 home win over Albania from April to progress and keep alive their bid for a first Women's World Cup appearance.
Image: FAW / BBC Sport
