Latest news with #JessFishlock
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
The Euro 2025 lessons learned from Wales' Denmark defeat
It was not the ideal scenario for what Wales still hope will be an idyllic summer in in Denmark – albeit amid controversy – means Rhian Wilkinson's side were relegated from Nations League also ensures a tricker path to World Cup qualification in 2027 as a result of dropping into the second with their opening Euro 2025 fixture against the Netherlands in Lucerne just five weeks away, what will be of greater importance is how Wales are shaping up ahead of their first ever major finals in women's as they prepare to face Italy on Tuesday in their final Nations League fixture - and their final game before their European Championships debut – what can Wales take from their 1-0 loss in Odense? It should not come down to technicalities There are no regulations that insist goal-line technology has to be used in the Nations goes for the men's tournament as well as the women' as Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson suggested for this level of international football, there should Fishlock's goal that never was may have proven the difference. It may not have – and Denmark certainly had chances before and after to argue the given Nations League A is meant to be the elite of women's international football in Europe – and that goal-line technology if not VAR has been used in other fixtures at this level – it was hard to argue with the viewpoints of those such as former Wales captain Kath Morgan who pondered if men's football at this stage would really be put in the same not forget, a guaranteed play-off for the 2027 World Cup was also a reward for Wales staying in League A."I'm just fed up with the system," Morgan said. "If that means we won't stay in League A, you have to question Fifa and Uefa. There shouldn't be a debate over which games to send VAR to."For the record, Euro 2025 will have goal-line technology, VAR and semi-automated offsides all in operation. Uefa have also been asked for their thoughts. Out of League A, but not out of their depth A third defeat for Wales in League A, and a third by the solitary goal."It's fine margins again," said Wales captain Angharad James. "We're disappointed to be relegated but we have put on good performances. "They were slowing the game down in the corner and doing little things and that wouldn't have happened a few years ago – this is the new us now and we can built on it."Compared to their last appearance at this level – where there were five goals conceded in one game against Denmark and another against Germany – Wales have looked a different may have hung on in periods but, they have not parked the bus. In fact, it is needing to be more clinical at the other end that has ultimately cost are still missing that win though – and the squad know it."We can be positive about our performance, but we also need to have a little bit of mentality that it's almost not good enough and needs to be better – because we want to get better and win games," said senior star Fishlock. Shaky starts must stop Fishlock made her 161st appearance for her country – just like matchwinner and former Chelsea forward Pernille will be disappointed they switched off just after the restart to allow the Bayern talent to score her 78th goal for her country."Wales were not switched on enough and got punished," admitted former men's captain Danny also hit the bar in a determined Danish start to things where Wales could not settle and put their foot on the impressing defensively, Wales have conceded in the first 15 minutes of halves in all four games to be on it and at it from the off against the likes of England, France and the Netherlands this summer, and Wales could be out of games before they know it. Fishlock's still got it Plenty of observers were a little worried when it was revealed key midfielder Fishlock would start, less than a week from her comeback for Seattle Reign in the US after more than a month out 38, Wales' record goalscorer and appearance maker may no longer be at the peak of her powers, but she will be needed in made her first start for Wales since the Nations League opener in Italy back in February and only her second appearance on any football pitch since March – but it proved both needed and her own admission, there were some rusty touches, but there was also a presence and an uplift to Wales' no mistake, Wales will look to their icon in Switzerland – and other sides should look out for her too. Wilkinson has options Wales will not have the same top-flight pedigree among their players as the nations they face in their depth and options are better than arguably ever before."What's really positive for me, if we go back 18 months, you're looking at the same 11, maybe one or two players coming off the bench constantly," said former striker Gwennan Harries. "But there is a lot more depth now."You're always unsure with [Rhian] Wilkinson on the team and who is going to start in these positions. She is trying to give players opportunities and to be more adaptable."She said beforehand she wants the team to be able to adjust and adapt and that they're not predictable, and I think we are seeing that."Wales can change systems to suit and are not weakened by change as much as they were a very short time ago,Alice Griffiths coming off the bench early after the unfortunate – and hopefully, minor – injury to Mayzee Davies was a case in point. Some of her passes helped Wales get a foothold in the game and will give her confidence of performing come this too for a player who has just been released by Southampton and effectively could be going to the Euros without a says she sees it as an opportunity. With one last game to go before Switzerland, Wales will hope to be ready to seize theirs this summer.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Women's Nations League: Wales and Scotland both relegated after defeats
Wales and Scotland both had their likely relegations confirmed while the Republic of Ireland enjoyed a late winner on a dramatic night of Women's Nations League action. Wales lost 1-0 away to Denmark in controversial fashion in Group A4. Rhian Wilkinson's team had realistically required victory in Odense to avoid being sent down to League B but Pernille Harder's 48th-minute strike consigned them to a third defeat of the campaign and bottom spot. It could have been a different story had Jess Fishlock's first-half effort been awarded, with her follow-up shot seemingly crossing the line but not given by the officials and with no VAR in operation, Wales went down narrowly. A 2-1 home loss to Denmark in April put Wales on the verge of relegation from the top tier and they got off to a poor start with defender Mayzee Davies forced off after only six minutes. The 18-year-old sustained a knee issue which could put in doubt her participation in this summer's European Championship. The Welsh did regroup and a moment of controversy occurred midway through the half when Ceri Holland was denied by Maja Bay Østergaard and Fishlock sent an effort towards goal, but Stine Ballisager got back to clear. Replays later appeared to show the ball had crossed the line, but it remained goalless at the break after Amalie Vangsgaard squandered a fine opportunity for Denmark and Harder was twice thwarted in quick succession. It would not take Harder long after half-time to break the deadlock, though, as the Danish forward slotted home in the 48th minute. Wales had chances but relegation to League B was confirmed. Melissa Andreatta began her tenure as Scotland head coach with a 1-0 defeat by Austria which confirmed their relegation and meant they are without a point from their five games to date. The lacklustre home side were fortunate to go into the interval level at Hampden Park with goalkeeper Lee Gibson in fine form. However, the more dominant visitors broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute of the Group A1 clash when ever-dangerous attacker Julia Hickelsberger glanced in a header from a corner. Scotland picked up later in the second half but ended the game still bottom of the tabl. Their final fixture of the campaign comes against the Netherlands on Tuesday for their final fixture, which will also be the final international outing of their captain Rachel Corsie, who came on as a substitute on Friday. Barcelona star Ewa Pajor scored twice within the opening nine minutes as Poland romped to a 4-0 Group B1 win over Northern Ireland in Belfast. Pajor celebrated her 100th senior international cap with a quickfire double at Seaview before Paulina Tomasiak and Adriana Achcinska put the game beyond Tanya Oxtoby's side, who travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday needing a point to finish second behind the Euro 2025-bound Poles. Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion The hosts enjoyed a huge escape inside the opening 60 seconds when Pajor lobbed advancing goalkeeper Jackie Burns and saw her attempt bounce over the bar and on to the roof of the vacant net. However, the respite proved temporary and Pajor gave Poland a fifth-minute lead and then doubled her tally four minutes later after catching the keeper in possession. Paulina Tomasiak made is 3-0 before Adriana Achcinska added a fourth shortly after the restart. Northern Ireland finished strongly with Rebecca Holloway and Rebecca McKenna both going close to a consolation goal before substitute Emily Wilson hit the bar at the death. Substitute Emily Murphy's first senior international goal handed the Republic of Ireland a 2-1 comeback victory in Turkey to secure second spot in Group B2. Murphy's 89th-minute winner, which came after Busem Seker's own goal had cancelled out Kader Hancar's opener at the Esenler Stadium, sent Ireland into Tuesday night's home clash with group leaders Slovenia just three points adrift.
BBC News
3 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Fishlock frustrated by lack of goal-line technology
Jess Fishlock has questioned why Wales' key Nations League game with Denmark did not have goal-line technology, saying: "It needs to be better."Midfielder Fishlock appeared to have given Wales the lead in Odense in a game they needed to win to avoid relegation from Nations League the 21st-minute effort was not given with neither VAR or goal-line technology in use for the top tier Harder's second-half goal ensured Wales were left frustrated by the decision, with Wales' record goal scorer Fishlock saying: "When it's about whether you stay in League A or League B and the complications with that, we should be having goal line technology."It's so obviously a goal so I'm asking the ref 'how did you miss that?' It puts us 1-0 up and changes the game. It's super frustrating." Wales had suffered a difficult start to the game – including losing teenager Mayzee Davies to a worrying injury with the defender leaving the stadium on crutches – but Fishlock added: "We started to settle, started to play and scored a goal – it needs to be better. At this level we need the technology and everything to ensure it's fair."Several Football Association of Wales officials at the ground were puzzled why a League A game was not employing what has become increasingly standard assistance for match officials. Uefa have been asked to Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson also questioned why the technology wasn't in use having been led to believe otherwise by the fourth official."Maybe I didn't understand, maybe she didn't," Wilkinson said. "But I'm frustrated, it's lessons for us but, equally, for a competition of this stature this shouldn't be happening."My team worked hard and put everything on the line; you get a goal, you want your goal." Wilkinson said she remained proud of her side as they prepare to face Italy in Swansea on Tuesday, their final fixture before they open their Euro 2025 campaign against the Netherlands in Switzerland on 5 she will have to wait to see whether she has lost 18-year-old Davies who looked in considerable pain after a non-contact injury after just four minutes, although she did call for calm and patience as they await a full diagnosis."Any player who gets an injury like that is frightened," she said. "I'd ask we just allow the medical team to their great job, let the swelling come down and fingers crossed it's not as serious as it first appeared."Wales will also assess whether Rhiannon Roberts is able to feature against Italy. The Real Betis defender suffered an issue in training on the eve of the match in Odense and was withdrawn, although Wilkinson stressed it was precautionary and would not risk any players' fitness this close to the tournament.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Wales' focus still on Nations League
Nations League: Denmark v Wales Venue: Nature Energy Park, Odense Date: Friday, 30 May Kick-off: 18:15 BST Coverage: Watch on BBC 2 Wales, listen on BBC Radio Wales, live text updates on BBC Sport Online Jess Fishlock says Wales still believe they can stay in the top-tier of the Nations League. And despite Wales' historic qualification for Euro 2025 this summer, Fishlock insists their focus remains on the Nations League until 'the job is done'. Rhian Wilkinson's side retain ambitions of remaining in League A, despite finding themselves bottom of Group 4 with two games remaining. Defeat against Denmark in Odense on Friday would confirm relegation for the next edition of the competition – which is tied to qualification for the 2027 World Cup. Fishlock returns from injury prior to Wales duty With excitement building ahead of Wales' first major tournament appearance, the game in Odense and Tuesday's clash with Italy in Swansea are Wales' final fixtures before Switzerland. But Fishlock, 38, said: "These games are all about the Nations League. "We want to stay in League A so we are just focused on getting the wins here and then we'll look to the Euros when the job is done." Fishlock has been named in Wilkinson's squad after being an unused substitute in a 2-1 defeat by Denmark last month and withdrew from the squad prior to the 1-1 draw with Sweden in Gothenburg. She returned from injury for Seattle Reign on Friday, making a 30 minute appearance off the bench in her side's loss to Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League.
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Wales' focus still on Nations League
Nations League: Denmark v WalesVenue: Nature Energy Park, Odense Date: Friday, 30 May Kick-off: 18:15 BSTCoverage: Watch on BBC 2 Wales, listen on BBC Radio Wales, live text updates on BBC Sport Online Jess Fishlock says Wales still believe they can stay in the top-tier of the Nations despite Wales' historic qualification for Euro 2025 this summer, Fishlock insists their focus remains on the Nations League until 'the job is done'.Rhian Wilkinson's side retain ambitions of remaining in League A, despite finding themselves bottom of Group 4 with two games against Denmark in Odense on Friday would confirm relegation for the next edition of the competition – which is tied to qualification for the 2027 World Cup. With excitement building ahead of Wales' first major tournament appearance, the game in Odense and Tuesday's clash with Italy in Swansea are Wales' final fixtures before Fishlock, 38, said: "These games are all about the Nations League. "We want to stay in League A so we are just focused on getting the wins here and then we'll look to the Euros when the job is done."Fishlock has been named in Wilkinson's squad after being an unused substitute in a 2-1 defeat by Denmark last month and withdrew from the squad prior to the 1-1 draw with Sweden in returned from injury for Seattle Reign on Friday, making a 30 minute appearance off the bench in her side's loss to Washington Spirit in the National Women's Soccer League.
