By Alys Haynes
Wales insist they are ready to make history when they take on the Republic of Ireland in the first of a two-legged qualification battle on Friday night.
The first meeting will take place at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday night, which will give Wilkinson’s team the benefit of having the ever-growing Welsh crowd of supporters behind them, as they fight for a place at the 2025 Euros.
But Ireland, who are ranked 24 in the world – five spots above Wales – pose a serious threat to the Welsh side’s dreams of making history by appearing at their first major tournament finals.
Manager Rhian Wilkinson said: “I think it will be a real battle.
“We’ve got two teams who take the opportunity to grow the game at home very seriously.
“It’s an opportunity to put our best teams forward and have them battle it out. That’s what top football is all about.”
Wilkinson, who has only been a part of the Welsh campaign for nine months, is extremely confident her side can overcome their opponents in this two-game play-off.
“The team is ready. They’re excited and they’ve worked hard to be in this position,” she added.
Respect for Jess Fishlock from Republic of Ireland boss Eileen Gleeson #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/ErdZmoVbrR
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 29, 2024
“The home and away element is an exciting part of it. There’s the home part where we must take care of business, but equally there’s a second part where we have to do the same again.
“It’s about being controlled with it, being present and making the most of the opportunity in front of us.”
After redeeming their 2-1 loss in Slovakia by winning the home leg of the semi-final play offs 2-0, Wales are eager to showcase their improvements and strengths against Ireland.
“I am pleased that the Slovakia series was tough. That was the first time we had really suffered,” added former Canada international, Wilkinson.
“That was when we saw the real Welsh team and how they reacted by completely changing the narrative in the second game. It’s good to be tested before a big challenge.”
Wales Captain Angharad James reinforced Wilkinson’s confidence in the team and said: “As a group we’re ready.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge of these games. We want to play against top nations.”
James will lead her team on Friday night in front of what is expected to be a record-breaking attendance for Welsh women’s football.
Captain Angharad James will lead out the team to face the Republic of Ireland in the Uefa Women’s Euro play-off final, first leg tomorrow evening at 7:15pm ⚽
You can tune in to all the action on BBC One Wales at 7pm or listen on BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru. #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/0UdOE3rxLn
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) November 28, 2024
With over 16,000 tickets sold for the match, the women’s game in Wales is drawing more attraction than has ever been seen in the 31 years since the sport has been professional.
Drawing on this progress, James said: “Coming out in Cardiff is a different feeling to any other I’ve felt before.
“To be able to say that there will be a record crowd is a great achievement and it shows how far we’ve come as a nation.”
“We’re looking to inspire the next generation, so to see the little girls and boys tomorrow who may be in our position one day is something that we take really seriously.
“As important as these games are for us, it’s as important that we use this to inspire the next generation and I do believe that regardless of the results, we can honestly say we have done that.”
Both Wilkinson and James expressed their excitement to get started with the final push of their play-off journey and hope their preparations have been enough to continue to push women’s football forward in Wales.