Wales Set Clean Sheet Goal for Albania Play-off First Leg
Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson targets a clean sheet as her injury-hit squad faces Albania in the Women's World Cup play-off semi-final first leg in Shkoder.
Wales begin their Women's World Cup play-off semi-final against Albania on Friday at the Loro Borici Stadium in Shkoder, with the return leg scheduled for next Tuesday in Llanelli. Manager Rhian Wilkinson has set a clean sheet as the primary objective for the first leg, emphasizing the need for a strong performance to build on.
During the group stage of World Cup qualifying in April, Wales beat Albania twice, winning 4-0 at home and 1-0 away. However, Wilkinson expects a tougher challenge this time, noting that Albania, ranked 68th in the world—37 places below Wales—could have scored in their previous meeting. She anticipates a resilient performance from both sides.
Wales are dealing with a significant injury crisis, with nine regular squad members unavailable, including influential midfielder Ceri Holland and defender Hayley Ladd. The absences have forced Wilkinson to include six uncapped players and several others with limited international experience. She remains confident in the squad's depth, attributing their readiness to the team's practice of integrating young players into senior training.
Wilkinson acknowledged that the number of injuries was unexpected but stressed the need to adapt. "I don't think we can pretend that we have unlimited players," she said, adding that the squad still possesses strength and experience. The inexperienced players have trained with high intensity and are prepared if called upon in the high-stakes matches.
The winner of the Albania tie will face either Norway or Romania in a two-legged play-off final in early December. Wales topped their qualifying group with a home win over the Czech Republic in June, but their away form was less convincing, with draws against the Czechs and Montenegro. Wilkinson dismissed concerns about the play-off format, stating her focus is on the immediate challenge.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions on social media, with some worried that the injuries could derail Wales' World Cup hopes, while others praised the resilience of the squad. These opinions reflect supporter sentiment but do not predict the outcome of the tie.
Image: FAW / BBC Sport
