By David Williams
Jess Fishlock – who else? – put Wales on the threshold of qualification for the Euro 2025 finals as she became her country’s joint highest goalscorer.
The striker matched Helen Ward’s all-time goalscoring record as Wales triumphed 3-0 over Croatia in Karlovac, propelling them to the top of their qualifying group.
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Fishlock netted her 44th goal for Wales in the first half, while Sophie Ingle and Kayleigh Barton added to the tally in the second half, ensuring a decisive victory.
The win not only elevated Wales at the top of Group B4 but also secured them a seeded position in the first round of the play-offs.
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Avoiding defeat on Tuesday against Kosovo at Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli will not only lift Wales back into League A but will ensure they are seeded for the Euro 2025 play-off draw on 19 July.
A grateful Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson said of the woman who remains her team’s key player and inspiration, “Jess Fishlock is unbelievable, not just her but Sophie Ingle and Angharad James are such good leaders.
“Jess consistently shows up for her country, I’ve never met a prouder Welsh woman.
“She gives everything she has and never turns down the call for her country and it’s a privilege to coach her.
“I thought they put in a big performance today, I knew it was going to be hard, I told them they weren’t allowed to mention the heat but it was really hot.
“It wasn’t always the prettiest, they had to battle the elements a bit and I’m a really proud coach today.
“There are always areas where we need to be a better, a few heart in mouth moments, but we’re getting back to who we are.
“We had to wear them down and around the half-hour mark their legs started to go and we started to take control of the game.
“I’m looking forward to having a lot of fans coming to support the team against Kosovo, it’s about getting another win to finishing this group stage as confident as possible and playing the best football as possible.”
Wales took the lead in the 14th minute. From a throw-in, Rachel Rowe delivered a clever ball into the box to Angharad James. James’s cross was dummied by Sophie Ingle, allowing Fishlock to strike the ball in off the underside of the bar.
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Fishlock’s goal brought her level with record goalscorer Ward, and it seems only a matter of time before she claims the record outright.
Sophie Ingle doubled the lead midway through the second half via the post, after Rachel Rowe’s cross deflected into her path.
Kayleigh Barton completed the scoring from the penalty spot late on, after Ceri Holland’s cross was handled in the box.
Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson offers her take on the state of women's football in the wake of Reading FC Women's withdrawal from the Championship ⚽#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/HxUHjT8rVx
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) July 12, 2024