Spanish Steps Have Been Forwards, Says Wales Boss Gemma Grainger

Gemma Grainger Signs New Contract With Football Assosiastion of Wales. Pic: Getty Images.

Spanish Steps Have Been Forwards, Says Wales Boss Gemma Grainger

By Isabelle Marshall

Wales manager Gemma Grainger insisted she was content with her team’s Pinatar Cup campaign as they finished the tournament in Spain with a 1-1 draw against Scotland.

Sophie Howard’s well-executed diving header gave Pedro Martinez Losa’s Scotland team an early advantage, which they fully deserved for their efforts in south-east Spain.

However, Wales managed to draw level against the run of play just before half-time, with Ceri Holland concluding an excellent attacking move.

A nasty looking injury to Scotland’s Fiona Brown resulted in a lengthy stoppage at the end of the first half and both coaches felt it paid a part in a quiet second period.

Although Wales had aspirations of claiming the Pinatar Cup, those hopes were quashed as Iceland went on to lift the trophy by defeating the Philippines 5-0.

Grainger said: “We wanted to make some changes and see some different things and we are really pleased with today’s game.

“Games start in different ways, they are unpredictable, but the girls were resilient and as the game went on we got stronger.”

Scotland head coach Pedro Martinez Losa said: “I think first half we were brilliant. The plan was working well, the players were executing it perfectly. I think we deserved a little more
from the first half.

“Second half, I think the situation with Fiona [Brown] changed it a lot. It was one of those situations where the individual becomes more important than anything else.

“Luckily she’s well. She’s conscious, she’s talking and she’s even joking a little. Now we’re following all the tests, hopefully it’s all good.”

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