Wales now teeter on the edge of missing out on their own Euro 2025 tournament after a chastening 4-1 defeat to France today. Wales’ first match of the tournament provided an equally cruel blow to the Welsh squad with their defeat. They had wanted to go further than the group stage. Despite multiple career-altering injuries, Jess Fishlock was able to rise and stand on the podium. She netted Wales’ first-ever goal at a major tournament, and in doing so made history for herself and her country.
The exhibition match brought out an electric crowd. Defensively, Wales continued to prove their mettle with a quick response to conceding the opening goal. Clara Mateo opened the scoring for France, but Jess Fishlock equalized just five minutes later, proving her invaluable contribution to the team. Unfortunately, Wales wasn’t able to keep up with the pace, giving up a total of three goals to France over the course of the game.
Historic Achievement for Jess Fishlock
At 38 years old, Jess Fishlock became a history maker. She set the record as the oldest goalscorer in Women’s Euros history. Among them, Wales’ all-time overall record goalscorer and record appearance maker, Fishlock showed what a difference her experience and skill could make. She took advantage of a well-placed back pass from Ceri Holland and delicately poked in the equalizer.
Fishlock was proud of the team’s performance.
“We are so close. I am so glad of this group tonight.” – Jess Fishlock
Her record-setting goal did more than just raise morale within the team, it proved they could hang with the best in the world on an international level. This moment was a huge victory for Welsh women’s football, representing the culmination of years of effort and perseverance.
Challenges Ahead for Wales
Even with Fishlock’s incredible feat, Wales have a mountain to climb in order to progress further into the tournament. The USWNT would have to beat their next match against England by at least four goals to advance. Yet, at the same time, they’re relying on the Netherlands to lose to France. This fortunate set of results is all that stands between Wales and a place in the quarter-finals.
Head coach Rhian Wilkinson expressed gratitude for her players’ tremendous work. She said she was extremely proud of the way they played during their upset victory over France during group play.
“I have never been prouder of Wales,” – Rhian Wilkinson
The onus was then put back on the Welsh players. They’re preparing for their last group stage game. The stakes could not be higher, and they all need to come together to help pull off the improbable victory against a talented England team.
France’s Strong Position
France confirmed their credentials as one of the tournament’s top contenders with a dominant display against Wales. After getting on the board early, thanks to Mateo, the French side doubled their lead through Amel Majri and Sakina Karchaoui. Karchaoui’s celebration with Majri after scoring made it 3-1 and showed off France’s attacking ability✔️ #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/QPOwMHXr33 — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 12, 2019
With this victory, France needs only one more point to guarantee qualification to the quarter-finals. Unsurprisingly they are brimming with confidence as they go into their last few games. Last year’s success was largely due to their ability to capitalize on their opponents’ errors.
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