Wales win Women's World Cup playoffs after draw with Slovenia | Welsh women's football team

Wales’ hopes of qualifying for the Women’s World Cup and first major competition boil down to the playoffs. A goalless draw at home to Slovenia on a record-breaking night in Cardiff was enough to secure runners-up spots in Group I, and enough to secure qualification for Friday’s draw in Switzerland. was.

Wales manager Gemma Grainger was here in June when the men’s team qualified for the World Cup with their final play-off victory over Ukraine. “It’s incredible to see how young girls interact with players and inspire 12,000 people,” he said Grainger. “I couldn’t force myself to think about this moment, but I’m so proud. This team just made history, so it’s important to celebrate.”

Wales played in front of a crowd of 12,741, more than double the record set against Estonia last October. For comparison, at the start of this campaign, at Llanelli he amassed 1,745 people. Before kick-off, Natasha Harding, Helen Ward and Anharad He James were presented with a commemorative cap to mark his 100th anniversary in his home country. James, 28, is the youngest of his nine Welsh footballers, including Gareth Bale, to reach this record.

There was no shortage of goodwill. Ian Rush and Neville Southall sent messages of support, while men’s manager Robert Page and Welsh midfielder Joe Allen were in the stands. Wales initially struggled to consolidate their authority, with Slovenia witnessing the first goal by captain Mateja Zuber and forcing Laura O’Sullivan into a save after intercepting Rachel Lowe’s crossfield pass. In the 30th minute, Zuber shot from just outside the box following a one-two with Lara Plasnikard, almost hitting the top corner before looking up into the sky.

Welsh’s best opening came from Ceri Holland and Carrie Jones. Holland picked off Cary Greene, who swiped through thin air and surged ahead of her, nudged her ball infield to Sophie Ingle, and grabbed her ball. The Welsh captain extended play with a superb first pass and Jones forced a stop from Slovenian goalkeeper Zara Melsnik. reached.

Scotland concluded the group stage of their World Cup qualifying campaign by cruising to a 6-0 win over the Faroe Islands in Torshavn. Pedro Martínez Losa’s side, who had already booked their play-off berth, scored three goals in the last five minutes of the first half to wrap up victory. 

Nicola Docherty’s opener was followed by goals from Caroline Weir, Erin Cuthbert and Martha Thomas.Rachel Corsie headed Scotland further ahead in the 53rd minute before Jen Beattie wrapped up a dominant display with her side’s sixth in the 68th minute – PA Media

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Quick guide

Scotland ends qualifying with Faroe victory

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Scotland closed out the group stage of World Cup qualifiers with a 6–0 win over the Faroe Islands at Tórshavn. Pedro Martínez Rosa’s side, who had already qualified for the play-offs, capped off the win with three goals in the last five minutes of the first half.

Nicola Dougherty opened the scoring, followed by goals from Caroline Weir, Erin Cuthbert and Martha Thomas.

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After a clumsy challenge in the box by Dominika Conch, Jones waved off a penalty appeal and the enthusiastic Welsh teenager continued the threat, as did Zuber. In the 73rd minute, the Slovenian captain sent a Curling shot just wide of the post. Melsnik prevented Jones’ crooked shot and an unmarked Gemma Evans from that corner saw a header bounced back by the Slovenian goalkeeper. Grainger fell to the floor in disbelief, but ultimately Wales didn’t need the breathing space a winner would have given away.